Thermoacoustic Wave-Actuation of a Synthetic Jet: Effect of Thermoacoustic Parameters on the Jet Performance

Thermoacoustic systems are primarily used for power generation from low- to medium-grade heat sources, but they also offer seamless integration with complementary technologies. A thermoacoustic engine coupled with a synthetic jet as an actuation mechanism. Variations in resonator size and stack location, controlled by sliding pistons, were studied concerning jet performance. System functionality was evaluated using temperature difference (ΔT), drive ratio (DR), and peak jet velocity. The results provide the first clear evidence that an acoustically driven synthetic jet can operate as a high-performance cooling solution with significant potential for thermal management applications. At resonator length of 1070 mm and relative stack position of 10 %, a jet velocity of 78 m/s was achieved at a minimum ΔT of 256 °C. Integrating an elastic membrane had a powerful effect on the acoustic filed. Discrepancy in phase between membrane vibration and acoustic pressure fluctuations had the potential to delay the start of oscillations within the engine. This effect can be controlled through adjustments in resonator length or operating frequency. Higher velocities, up to 92 m/s, were obtained when the stack was positioned closer to the pressure antinode. However, this necessitated a greater ΔT while simultaneously introducing non-linear phenomena like the membrane’s panting response. The findings not only highlight the potential of this system as a future thermal management solution but also demonstrate the critical role of thermoacoustic design parameters in optimising the jet performance.