Gas chromatography system, electrodynamic driving unit, and other equipment for thermoacoustic cooling research

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Thermoacoustic cooling is a relatively new cooling technology that utilizes environmentally-benign gas mixtures as the working fluids.  Large amplitude sound waves are produced in enclosed vessels using electro-dynamic actuators.  The periodic percolation of the gas particles through a porous substrate known as the "stack" create heat pumping through a process similar to a revere Brayton cooling cycle. Highly efficient moving magnet drivers are requested to power a new dual-driver thermoacoustic cooler that will be developed in a companion research program.  High voltage and current power amplifiers are requested to operate the drivers.  To monitor the electrical power to the drivers and the resulting pressure from them, power analyzers and dynamic pressure sensors are requested.  A recirculating chiller with heaters and their power controllers are also requested to be connected to heat exchangers and used to provide a temperature controlled water flow in the secondary loop.  A gas chromatography system is requested to assess the homogeneity of the gas mixture used and its effects on system performance. The ultimate goal of the research program for the requested equipments is to better understand and further develop this new cooling technology to make it to be efficient and robust.  As part of the research plan, a modular prototype will be developed, and used to verify predictions from theoretical models, to demonstrate the technology, and as a test bed for various components.  The equipments will be used to characterize streaming effects, which are not well understood, and are considered one of the factors that hamper the efficiency of thermoacoustic devices.  Novel methods to measure the thermal energy flow and heat transfer between the oscillating gas and the heat exchanger will be developed.  The findings will help identify performance bottle necks, and lead to improved efficiency, which is required for this technology to be successful.