Numerical evaluation of the thermoacoustic heat transfer under magnetic field influence

Thermoacoustic engines could become a promising avenue for sustainable energy conversion; yet, their efficiency is often limited largely by the performance of their heat exchangers. Previous research on this topic has primarily focused on conventional heat transfer mechanisms; but the integration of ferrofluid exposed to magnetic fields may result in a novel approach to enhance the heat exchanger efficiency. In this study, we investigate the impact of thermomagnetic effects on heat transfer performance in single-tube thermoacoustic heat exchangers employing a numerical approach. A CFD model is developed taking into account magnetohydrodynamic aspects to evaluate the effects of arbitrary static magnetic field in the heat transfer processes due to the corresponding variations in ferrofluid thermoviscous properties. The model incorporates some aspects of the interaction between external airflow driven by the thermoacoustic phenomenon and internal ferrofluid thermomagnetic behavior, in which the temperature distribution and heat transfer are evaluated. The results indicate that under specific magnetic-field conditions the overall heat transfer can be significantly improved, which may lead to higher efficiencies in thermoacoustic engines. We explore the feasibility of optimizing magnetic fields in order to enhance heat exchanger performance. Our findings suggest an initial understanding of the interaction between thermomagnetism and thermoacoustics.