How large/heavy are thermoacoustic refrigerators compared to their vapor compression counterparts?
For all thermodynamic devices, there will always be a trade-off between efficiency and power density. For the devices built thus far (1,400 Btu/hr = 400 Wthermal and 36,000 Btu/hr = 10 kWthermal), the size and weight are similar to their vapor compression equivalents. The cooling capacity of vapor compression units depends upon operating pressure and the amount of phase-change fluid. The size of a thermoacoustic device is determined (roughly) by its operating frequency. If small size is important, higher frequency operation may be required.
Related Questions
- When thermoacoustic refrigerators and air conditioners become commercially available, will they cost more than their conventional vapor compression equivalents?
- How large/heavy are thermoacoustic refrigerators compared to their vapor compression counterparts?
- Why is the suction pipe of vapor compression and refrigeration system insulated?
