Development of a Medium-Scale Collins-Type 10 K Cryocooler

Abstract

The feasibility of a compact, reliable, low-cost, and efficient cryocooler capable of delivering 2W of cooling at 10 K using less than 1 kW of input power has been demonstrated analytically. The technical approach is to apply a high-efficiency thermodynamic cycle to a compact and reliable small-scale system by implementing a modern microprocessor into a mechanically innovative machine. The innovations of the design include “floating” piston expanders and electromagnetic “smart” valves, which eliminate the need for mechanical linkages and reduce the input power, size, and weight of the cryocooler in an affordable modular design. It is predicted that a three-stage cryocooler operating with 15-bar helium could produce 2 W of cooling at 10 K while requiring less than 1 kW of compressor power. A laboratory prototype is currently being designed and built for development testing in the Summer and Fall of 2002.