Development of Brayton-Cycle Cryocooler Technology
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The Technology
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Brayton cycle cryocooler is recuperative cycle (steady DC
flow).
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Relies on efficient recuperative heat exchangers,
compressor, and expander to derive thermodynamic
efficiency.
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Broad cooling applications ranging from superconducting
elements, IR sensors, and optical systems to long-term
on-orbit storage of cryogens for propellant systems and
inter-planetary missions
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TAI Brayton cycle cryocooler development incorporates new
component technologies to attain high efficiency:
- Oil-free floating scroll compressor
- Reciprocating mesoscale expander using
electrostatics
- Compact high effectiveness heat exchangers
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Expander and valves fabricated using standard semiconductor
processes.
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Key components entering proof-of-concept demonstration
phase.
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US Patent 6,595,006 B2, Miniature Reciprocating Heat Pumps
and Engines, awarded July 22, 2003!
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Advantages
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FEATURES |
IMPLEMENTATION |
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Long Life |
Expander has no wearing parts
and moving parts have been designed so stresses are well
below fatigue limits.
System is not resonant and therefore can undergo accelerated
life testing and statistically significant failure analysis. |
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Minimal vibration |
Mass of the moving parts is
very small, frequency not excessive
Piston assemblies can be arranged back-to-back, compensating
momentum effects. |
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Low cost |
Modular design of the expander
and use of integrated circuit processes to fabricate it,
make automated assembly possible.
All of the technology to support the expander is simple,
inexpensive, and often commercially available. |
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Compact & lightweight |
High efficiency of expander and
heat exchangers greatly reduces weight and size of package. |
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Simplified integration |
Remote/distributed cooling
means no electronics in vicinity of load and all mechanical
vibrations are remote from load.
Concerns about mechanical integrity of the cooler at the
interface are eliminated.
Electronics and compressor can be conveniently located, as
system system dictates. |
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SBIR Development Programs
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AFRL/MDA 35 K Cryocooler
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DARPA 70 K Cryocooler
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NASA 6 K Cryocooler
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Papers and
Presentations
For
More Information . . .
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