Use of electrodynamic drivers in thermoacoustic refrigerators

Some issues involved in matching electrodynamic drivers to thermoacoustic refrigerators are examined using an equivalent circuit model. Conclusions are that the driver should be chosen to have a large product (Bl)2/(ReRm); the suspension stiffness should be chosen to make the combined impedance of the mechanical and acoustical parts of the system entirely real at the operating frequency; and the piston area should be selected to maximize electroacoustic efficiency, or other desired parameter, by matching the acoustic load to the optimum mechanical load for the particular driver. Alternately, if the piston area is fixed, the operating frequency can be adjusted to make this same match.