抄録
Performance of regenerator used in refrigerator is discussed in terms of thermoacoustics. Thermoacoustic theory results in two types of heat flux. One is due to isothermal reversible process and it contributes to heat-pumping effect. The other is due to irreversible process and it corresponds to regenerator loss. Limiting lowest temperature is independent of heat capacity of regenerator matrix. Large amplitude of pressure and small phase-difference between oscillations of pressure and velocity decrease regenerator loss. Refrigeration power is maximized at some frequency, where the loss is 50% of ideal case. External work required for refrigerator is composed of isothermal reversible part and irreversible one corresponding to dissipation of energy. Ratio of irreversible work to reversible one increases as pressure amplitude increases, Local COP of regenerator is independent of heat capacity of regenerator matrix, Some methods of achieving higher efficiency are discussed.
