3 ms·
For context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoacoustic_heat_engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoacoustic_heat_engine The company cited in the article
by slwvx 6mo ago
For context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoacoustic_heat_engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoacoustic_heat_engine
The company cited in the article is [Bluehart](https://blueheartenergy.com/our-technology https://blueheartenergy.com/our-technology)
One disadvantage that Bluehart lists of classic heat pumps is the need for a refrigerant fluid. But Bluehar uses helium internally; I wonder how often the helium would need to be replaced.
- allears 6mo agoI thought that helium was in short supply. Would that make these things expensive? Also, I know they said it's quiet, but if the thing operates on a 60hz cycle, wouldn't that create a pervasive hum?
- rprwhite 6mo agoYeah, I was also under the impression helium was in very short supply. The article doesn’t mention that, at all. But it does say the unit is quiet because it operates at a constant frequency, so they can use noise cancellation very effectively.
- AngryData 6mo agoHelium is not really that expensive in small amounts and they are using it in its gas phase so it isn't much. Its needing enough to pump it around in liquid form for cooling that gets expensive.