Study on miniature pulse tube cryocooler for space application

Abstract

Pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) is a new type of mechanical cryocooler with the potential of long-term operation in space. Theoretical and experimental studies are currently on the way in the Cryogenic Laboratory of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CL/CAS) in order to develop a 85 K/250 mW class pulse tube cryocooler to be used to cool space-borne infrared devices. A theoretical model is established based on the analyses of the thermodynamic behavior of gas parcels in oscillating flow regenerators. It helps us to understand the cooler and can be used to study the influence of DC flow on the refrigeration performance. The flow resistance of the regenerator is an important factor for the cooler performance. A test bench, including a hot-wire anemometer has been set up to investigate the flow resistance characteristics of regenerators with oscillating flow. The results of measurement are correlated and served for practical design. The Oxford type linear pressure wave generator with flexure bearings is also under development in CL/CAS. The prototype miniature pulse tube cryocooler, driven by a linear pressure wave generator of 1.06 cm 3 maximum swept volume, provides at present 200 mW net cooling power at 81 K with 28.4 W input power. Improvements are being made to further increase the cooling power and reduce the input power.