Research on the Characteristics of Fire Detection and Alarm Devices Based on the Thermoacoustic Effect

Authors

  • Xueqiang Shi North University of China image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8649-3878
  • Xuhui Ren North University of China image/svg+xml
  • Biao Shi School of Environment and Safety Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi, China
  • Bin Chi
  • Kaishu Huang
  • Wenhai Li
  • Yutao Zhang
  • Yali Li
  • Mucong Deng
  • Weiguo Cao
  • Hongzhen Duan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-5826.2025.12.4

Keywords:

Heat transfer, Sound pressure, Numerical simulation, Thermoacoustic effect, Fire detection and alarm

Abstract

The thermoacoustic effect can convert heat in a fire into sound energy, which has considerable application prospects in fire detection. A fire detection and alarm device based on thermoacoustic effect has been developed for building fire prevention. The main content of thermoacoustic effect is briefly introduced, and the application of thermoacoustic devices in fire detection is explained. A fire detection and alarm device based on thermoacoustic effect has been established. The total length of the entire device is 330 mm, with a uniform inner diameter of 40 mm. Finite element numerical simulation software is used to calculate and analyze detection and alarm devices. The characteristics of sound pressure level changing with the temperature difference of the heat exchanger were analyzed, and then the experimental, theoretical, and simulated sound response frequency values were calculated. Numerical simulations demonstrate the nonlinear multi field coupling characteristics in the process of thermoacoustic conversion. The established device begins to produce sound under the condition of a temperature difference of 194 ℃ in the heat exchanger, with a sound pressure level of 120 dB. Numerical simulation can better reflect the sound pressure level and frequency characteristics of the device. The distribution characteristics of flow and temperature can effectively demonstrate nonlinear dissipation properties. Thermoacoustic conversion exhibits characteristics of compression and heat transfer at a small scale. Thermoacoustic devices can convert the heat in a fire into acoustic alarm signals, and have great potential for application in the field of fire alarm in the future. This study provides new ideas for the construction of new fire alarm devices and important theoretical basis for the research of thermoacoustic alarm devices.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Barillo DJ, Goode R. Fire fatality study: demographics of fire victims. Burns. 1996, 22: 85-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-4179(95)00095-X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-4179(95)00095-X

Król A, Szewczyński K, Król M, Koper P, Bielawski J, Węgrzyński W. Full-scale experimental, numerical, and theoretical research on the spatio-temporal evolution of the flow structure in longitudinal and semi-transversal ventilated tunnels. Tunn Undergr Space Technol. 2024; 147: 105721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2024.105721 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2024.105721

Jiang Y, Li G, Wang J. Photoacoustic compound fire alarm system for detecting particles and carbon monoxide in smoke. Fire Technol. 2016; 52(5): 1255-69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-015-0542-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-015-0542-6

Qiu X, Wei Y, Li N, Guo A, Zhang E, Li C, et al. Development of an early warning fire detection system based on a laser spectroscopic carbon monoxide sensor using a 32-bit system-on-chip. Infrared Phys Technol. 2019; 96: 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infrared.2018.11.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infrared.2018.11.013

Swift GW. Thermoacoustic engines. J Acoust Soc Am. 1988; 84: 1145-80. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.396617 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/1.396617

Wen J, Zhang L, Kan H, Liu S, Wang K. Advances in the utilization and suppression of thermoacoustic effect: A review. Int J Heat Mass Tranf. 2024; 231: 125758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2024.125758 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2024.125758

Wigdan K, Paul R, Jon M, David H. Asymmetrically heated multi-stage travelling-wave thermoacoustic electricity generator. Energy. 2021; 235: 121312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.121312 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.121312

Hiroshi Y, Yasuaki O, Masashi K, Masahito N, Hideki Y. Simulation of thermoacoustic heat pump effects driven by acoustic radiation in a cavity flow. Int J Heat Mass Tranf. 2022; 185: 122424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2021.122424 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2021.122424

Hu Y, Chi J, Wu Z, Zhang L, Yang R, Xu J, et al. Study on a high-performance heatdriven thermoacoustic heat pump. Appl Therm Eng. 2024, 253: 123790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123790 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123790

Ali U, Al-Mufti O, Janajreh I. Harnessing sound waves for sustainable energy: Advancements and challenges in thermoacoustic technology. Energy Nexus. 2024; 15: 100320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100320 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2024.100320

Chi J, Xu J, Zhang L, Wu Z, Hu J, Luo E. Study of a gas-liquid-coupled heat-driven room-temperature thermoacoustic refrigerator with different working gases. Energy Convers Manage. 2021; 246: 114657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114657 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114657

Nathan B. Michael L. Steven F. Ramon GZ. High-fidelity numerical simulations of a standing-wave thermoacoustic engine. Appl Energy. 2024; 360: 122817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122817

Liu L, Cai J, Liu Y. Structural optimization of resonance tubes for a looped thermoacoustic engine with multiple heat sources. Case Stud Therm Eng. 2023; 49: 103344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103344 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103344

Chen G, Li Z, Li X, Xu J, Sun W, Tang L, et al. Optimal cross-sectional area ratio between porous material and resonance tube for the onset of self-excited oscillations in standing-wave thermoacoustic engines. Therm Sci Eng Prog. 2023; 41: 101856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2023.101856 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2023.101856

Jesse C, Revant A, Mohamed M, Mostafa N. Traveling wave thermoacoustic refrigeration with variable phase-coordinated boundary conditions. J Acoust Soc Am. 2024; 154(6): 3943-54. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0023954 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0023954

Backhaus S, Swift GW. A thermoacoustic Stirling heat engine. Nature. 1999; 399: 335-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/20624 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/20624

Rayleigh L. The theory of sound. UK: Dover Publication, 1896.

Zhu Q, Yu J, Zhu H. The influence of thermoacoustic effect and microstructure parameters on acoustic performance of porous ceramic fiber material. Appl Acoust. 2025; 240(5): 110915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2025.110915 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apacoust.2025.110915

Rott N. Damped and thermally driven acoustic oscillations in wide and narrow tubes. J Appl Math Phys. 1969; 20(2): 230-40. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01595562 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01595562

Roberto B, Armando DM, Antonio F, Nicola M. Design and performance of a ThermoAcoustic Electric Generator powered by waste-heat based on linear and nonlinear modelling. Appl Therm Eng. 2025; 276: 126938. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.126938 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.126938

Prashantha BG, Seetharamu S, Narasimham GSV, Manjunatha K. Effect of gas spacing and resonance frequency on theoretical performance of thermoacoustic refrigerators. Int J Air-Cond Refrig. 2023; 31(1): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44189-023-00027-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44189-023-00027-7

Yao C, Liu J, Yan J. Numerical investigation of nonlinear effects in a standing wave thermoacoustic engine using the discontinuous Galerkin method. Int J Heat Mass Tran. 2023; 216: 124526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2023.124526 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2023.124526

Zhang D, Guan J, He Z, Shen C, Li H, Tang S, et al. Numerical analysis of thermoacoustic heat pump driving by prime mover. Heat Transf Res. 2025; 56(3): 15-29. https://doi.org/10.1615/HeatTransRes.2024053033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1615/HeatTransRes.2024053033

Guo L, Zhao D, Yu D, Xu J, Su Y, Sun D, et al. Energy conversion performance in looped and stirling traveling-wave and standing-wave thermoacoustic engines. Appl Therm Eng. 2024; 258: 124622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124622 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124622

Diana BC, Yann F, Catherine W. Gravity effects in a compact thermoacoustic cavity. J Acoust Soc Am. 2025; 157(2): 833-44. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0035581 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0035581

Nathan B, Michael L, Steven F, Ramon GZ. High-fidelity numerical simulations of a standing-wave thermoacoustic engine. Appl Energy. 2024; 360: 122817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122817

Symko OG, Abdel-Rahman E, Kwon YS, Emmi M, Behunin R. Design and development of high-frequency thermoacoustic engines for thermal management in microelectronics. Microelectron J. 2004; 35(2): 185-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mejo.2003.09.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mejo.2003.09.017

Shen C, He Y, Li Y, Ke H, Zhang D, Liu Y. Performance of solar powered thermoacoustic engine at different tilted angles. Appl Therm Eng. 2009; 19(13): 2745-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2009.01.008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2009.01.008

Emmanuel CN, Azrai A. Experimental study on the performance of the thermoacoustic refrigerating system. Appl Therm Eng. 2009; 29(13): 2672-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2008.12.036 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2008.12.036

Buda-Ortins KE. Prototype design for thermoacoustic flashover detector (Thesis). The University of Maryland; 2012. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1903/13069

Hamburger KA. Optimization and implementation of a thermoacoustic flashover detector (Thesis). The University of Maryland; 2013. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/1903/14795

Jeffrey ZT. Response of a thermoacoustic flashover detector to thermal radiation (Thesis). The University of Maryland; 2014. https://doi.org/10.13016/M2DG7V

Pan N, Wang S, Shen C. A fundamental study on characteristic of thermoacoustic engine with different tilt angles. Int J Heat Mass Tranf. 2014; 74: 228-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2014.03.019 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2014.03.019

Kenichiro T, Yuki U. Critical temperature of traveling- and standing-wave thermoacoustic engines using a wet regenerator. Appl Energy. 2017; 196: 62-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.04.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.04.004

Raspet R, Slaton WV, Hickey CJ, Hiller RA. Theory of inert gas-condensing vapor thermoacoustics: Transport equations. J Acoust Soc Am. 2002; 112(4): 1414-22. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.1508113 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/1.1508113

Rogozinski K, Nowak I, Nowak G. Modeling the operation of a thermoacoustic engine. Energy. 2017; 138: 249-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.07.058 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.07.058

Jaworski AJ, Mao X, Mao X, Yu.Z. Entrance effects in the channels of the parallel plate stack in oscillatory flow conditions. Exp Therm Fluid Sci. 2009; 33: 495-502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2008.11.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2008.11.003

Kuzuu K, Hasegawa S. Effect of non-linear flow behavior on heat transfer in a thermoacoustic engine core. Int J Heat Mass Tranf. 2017; 108: 1591-601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2016.12.064 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2016.12.064

Jung S, Matveev KI. Study of a small-scale standing-wave thermoacoustic engine. Proc Inst Mech Eng C J Mech Eng Sci. 2010; 224(1): 133-41. https://doi.org/10.1243/09544062JMES1594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1243/09544062JMES1594

Hao XH, Ju YL, Behera U, Kasthurirengan S. Influence of working fluid on the performance of a standing-wave thermoacoustic prime mover. Cryogenics. 2011; 51(9): 559-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryogenics.2011.07.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryogenics.2011.07.004

Tang K, Huang ZJ, Jin T, Chen GB. Influence of acoustic pressure amplifier dimensions on the performance of a standing-wave thermoacoustic system. Appl Therm Eng. 2009; 29(5-6): 950-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2008.05.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2008.05.001

Mumith JA, Mkatsori C, Karayiannis TG. Design of a thermoacoustic heat engine for low temperature waste heat recovery in food manufacturing. Appl Therm Eng. 2014; 65(1-2): 588-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.01.042 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.01.042

Zhang D, He Y, Yang W, Gu X, Wang Y, Tao W. Experimental visualization and heat transfer analysis of the oscillatory flow in thermoacoustic stacks. Exp Therm Fluid Sci. 2013; 46: 221-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2012.12.014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2012.12.014

Chen G, Kai W, Liu L, Gao L, Li Z, Tang L. Experimental evaluation of an integrated thermoacoustic stack. Therm Sci Eng Prog. 2025; 64: 103810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103810 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2025.103810

Giulio ED, Meglio AD, Massarotti N, Romano RA, Dragonetti R. Oriented fibers stacks for thermoacoustic devices. Appl Energy. 2024; 373: 123959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123959 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123959

Zhang Y, Shi X, Li Y, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Characteristics of thermoacoustic conversion and coupling effect at different temperature gradients. Energy. 2020; 197(15): 117228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.117228 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.117228

Blanc N, Laufer M, Frankel S, Ramon GZ. High-fidelity numerical simulations of a standing-wave thermoacoustic engine. Appl Energy. 2024; 360(15): 122817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122817 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.122817

Hireche O, Weisman C, Baltean-Carlès D. Numerical model of a thermoacoustic engine. C R Mec. 2010; 338: 18-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crme.2009.12.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crme.2009.12.006

Yu G, Dai W, Luo E. CFD simulation of a 300 Hz thermoacoustic standing wave engine. Cryogenics. 2010; 50: 615-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryogenics.2010.02.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryogenics.2010.02.011

Wang K, Tao S, Li Z, Li X, Tang L, Chen G. Investigation on the hysteresis behavior of a quarter-wavelength standing-wave thermoacoustic engine. Proc Inst Mech Eng C J Mech Eng Sci. 2025; 290(15): 110084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2025.110084 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2025.110084

Niu Y, Zhang H, Jiang H, Hu L, Liu Y. Numerical studies on mode transition and performance of the thermoacoustic engine coupled with acoustic pressure amplifier tube and load. Energy. 2024; 307(30): 132746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.132746 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.132746

Vorotnikov GV, Zinovyev EA, Nekrasova SO. Thermodynamic cycle of the traveling wave thermoacoustic engine. Case Stud Therm Eng. 2022; 36: 102216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2022.102216 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2022.102216

Downloads

Published

2025-11-28

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

1.
Research on the Characteristics of Fire Detection and Alarm Devices Based on the Thermoacoustic Effect. J. Adv. Therm. Sci. Res. [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 28 [cited 2026 Feb. 13];12:53-72. Available from: https://avantipublishers.com/index.php/jatsr/article/view/1699

Similar Articles

31-40 of 63

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.