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Performance Enhancement for 4 K Pulse Tube Cryocoolers
Navy STTR FY2010.A
| Sol No.: |
Navy STTR FY2010.A |
| Topic No.: |
N10A-T026 |
| Topic Title: |
Performance Enhancement for 4 K Pulse Tube Cryocoolers |
| Proposal No.: |
N10A-026-0151 |
| Firm: |
Creare Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 |
| Contact: |
Weibo Chen |
| Phone: |
(603) 643-3800 |
| Web Site: |
www.creare.com |
| Abstract: |
Future military communication systems will utilize advanced superconductor digital electronics that will require efficient cooling at low temperatures near 4 K. We propose to improve the efficiency of pulse-tube cryocoolers by addressing the two primary performance limitations. These are operation in adverse orientations and performance of the regenerator at low temperatures. We will develop (1) a CFD model to quantify the losses associated with gravity-induced flow; and (2) an advanced regenerator that uses an innovative non-rare-earth material to achieve a very high volumetric specific heat and a novel configuration for high thermal and fluid performance. The regenerator's large heat capacity, small void volume and low flow restriction will substantially improve the thermal efficiency of low temperature pulse-tube cryocoolers. The regenerator significantly increases a cryocooler's net cooling and thus minimizes the impact of parasitic losses in a pulse tube at an adverse gravity orientation. In Phase I, we will analyze the performance of a pulse tube cooler at different gravity orientations, optimize the regenerator design, and identify a fabrication approach for the regenerator. |
| Benefits: |
The military applications for pulse-tube cryocoolers include tactical coolers for low temperature superconductor electronics, and cryocoolers for space-based communications, surveillance, missile detection, and missile tracking systems. Scientific applications include cryocoolers for space based infrared and X-ray observatories. Commercial applications include cooling systems for communication satellites; superconducting instruments, digital filters, and magnets; MRIs; SQUIDs; and data converters for next-generation wireless communications.
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