Comparison of two models of a double inlet miniature pulse tube refrigerator: Part B electrical analogy

Abstract

The design of a double inlet pulse tube refrigerator is investigated by means of an analogy with an electric circuit. The results obtained are compared with both those of the thermodynamic model (Part A) and experiments. The basic formulation of equivalent electronic components is discussed and a few improvements are proposed for adjusting the theoretical expressions of the electric impedance concerning the capillaries and the regenerator. Then additional effects such as pressure drops due to geometrical singularities are taken into account considering the different internal flow regimes that may occur. Besides a simplified formulation for the regenerator efficiency is deduced from considerations on its harmonic functioning. In this analysis, the emphasis concerns principally the design of miniature cryocoolers dedicated to electronic applications. Those models are applied to a commercial miniature refrigerator. A discussion of their relevance is achieved and a few suggestions on the refrigerator design are proposed in order to improve the cooling production.