Numerical simulation and experimental verification of the oscillating flow in pulse tube refrigerator

Abstract

An improved numerical modeling for simulating the oscillating fluid flow and detail dynamic performance of the orifice and double-inlet pulse tube refrigerator has been developed in this paper. The governing equations that include the pressure gradient, inertia, viscous and convection terms are based on the conversion of mass, energy and momentum for oscillating flow in refrigerator. The full implicit time-dependent and upwind second-order finite difference scheme are used to discrete the governing equations. Simulation results and predicated performance are compared with the experimental data. Good agreement has been found between the two. Detail time-dependent axial wall temperature distribution, transient gas temperature, mass flow rate and dynamic pressure variations in the pulse tube refrigerator have been obtained in this paper. The simulation model is useful for understanding the physical process occurring in the pulse tube refrigerator, and also for predicting the effect of the orifice and double-inlet valve on the refrigeration power and efficiency of pulse tube refrigerator.