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BorgesBorgesBorges60 OP t1_j3q5xb4 wrote

>[...] the machine’s ecological mode of operation is claimed to provide the same efficiency of a conventional heat pump, while increasing energy savings and overall cost.
>
>A big part of that is the pump’s modulation, which allows users to increase or decrease the speaker’s volume to achieve the desired power output. Apart from that, the system is easy to install, doesn’t require maintenance and has a lifespan of around 30 years — about twice as long as a conventional heat pump.

Better yet, its inventors claim that it runs completely silently, thereby avoiding the low, ominous drumbeat signalling the end of days and the battle between heaven and hell you'd expect from a device built this way.

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krichuvisz t1_j3q8lxl wrote

I thought that sounds good, but it doesn't sound at all.

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Schyte96 t1_j3r4xih wrote

A similar system is used to cool the James Webb Space Telescope, so it has to be vibration free to the outside. You can't have vibration on a space telescope.

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CassMidnight t1_j3qdm2p wrote

I wonder if the lifespan will actually be 30yrs given how hard helium is to contain. Maybe it would need topping up?

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[deleted] t1_j3q6rgm wrote

I really want to know who is making these speaker drivers.

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Joneskind t1_j3q8l7g wrote

French startup Equium according to the article.

https://www.equium.fr/

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[deleted] t1_j3sinr2 wrote

It'd surprise me if they're making the speaker drivers rather than hiring out to an existing brand with expertise for that part. There's companies that could design and produce a suitable product in a matter of days

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Joneskind t1_j3slcvn wrote

I think you misinterpret the Hi-Fi acoustic part of that company. We’re not talking about music here. Thermo-acoustics is a whole field by it-self. You can’t hack a speaker to make a heat pump.

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[deleted] t1_j3t00uu wrote

they're using acoustic suspension cone drivers, no?

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Joneskind t1_j3tklr5 wrote

I am not a specialist but it probably depends of the frequency they are working with.

Intuitively I would go for high frequencies, as they carry more energy and are easier to handle in small spaces than low frequencies.

High frequencies mean they can use flat panel "speakers" (totally not speakers but you get the idea). Probably more than a few to create as many chambers as necessary where air can be rapidly compressed to gain heat.

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[deleted] t1_j3tlqej wrote

That'd be interesting to know the specific frequency. I immediately assumed cone driver in acoustic suspension because I assumed, based on nothing really, that it would be lower frequencies.

But you're right, it could be a planar exciter, electrostatic, magneplanar, ring radiator, AMT, ribbon, dome, or even a balanced mode radiator. But I wanna know!

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FuturologyBot t1_j3q7zl2 wrote

The following submission statement was provided by /u/BorgesBorgesBorges60:

>[...] the machine’s ecological mode of operation is claimed to provide the same efficiency of a conventional heat pump, while increasing energy savings and overall cost.
>
>A big part of that is the pump’s modulation, which allows users to increase or decrease the speaker’s volume to achieve the desired power output. Apart from that, the system is easy to install, doesn’t require maintenance and has a lifespan of around 30 years — about twice as long as a conventional heat pump.

Better yet, its inventors claim that it runs completely silently, thereby avoiding the low, ominous drumbeat signalling the end of days and the battle between heaven and hell you'd expect from a device built this way.

Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/1084mhv/french_startup_uses_hifi_speakers_to_develop/j3q5xb4/

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