System Identification and Resonant Control of Thermoacoustic Engines for Robust Solar Power

Abstract

It was found that thermoacoustic solar-power generators with resonant control are more powerful than passive ones. To continue the work, this paper focuses on the synthesis of robustly resonant controllers that guarantee single-mode resonance not only in steady states, but also in transient states when modelling uncertainties happen and working temperature temporally varies. Here the control synthesis is based on the loop shifting and the frequency-domain identification in advance thereof. Frequency-domain identification is performed to modify the mathematical modelling and to identify the most powerful mode, so that the DSP-based feedback controller can online pitch the engine to the most powerful resonant-frequency robustly and accurately. Moreover, this paper develops two control tools, the higher-order van-der-Pol oscillator and the principle of Dynamical Equilibrium, to assist in system identification and feedback synthesis, respectively.

Multi-physics coupling in thermoacoustic devices: A review

“…In this scenario, the actual efficiency becomes a secondary issue while lowering the onset temperature is more important. One can also build solar-powered or stove-cooking-powered thermoacoustic electric generators [144][145][146][147][148][149][150][151], as shown in Figures 19(c), for specific occasions where the solar heat is abundant or electric grids are not accessible (e.g., in rural areas). The main driver herein would be the manufacturing cost.…”

Power Generation via Small Length Scale Thermo-Mechanical Systems: Current Status and Challenges, a Review

“…When a temperature gradient is established across the regenerator/heat exchanger of a thermoacoustic engine, pressure waves are produced, which leads to the generation of acoustic waves [95]. The use of the resulting pressure waves allows these engines to become linear generators [98,99]. These engines can operate from different heat sources such as solar [98] (see Figure 12).…”

“…The use of the resulting pressure waves allows these engines to become linear generators [98,99]. These engines can operate from different heat sources such as solar [98] (see Figure 12). Thermoacoustic engines offer numerous advantages that include reduced moving parts, simple construction, and self starting capability [100].…”