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5710 Flatiron Parkway, Suite A |
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Boulder, CO 80301 |
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Call : (303) 443-2262 |
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FAX : (303) 443-1821 |
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Reverse Brayton-Cycle Cryocooler Development |
 The Technology |
 Brayton-cycle cryocooler is recuperative cycle (steady DC flow), having advantages over regenerative
cycles.
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| Relies on efficient recuperative heat exchangers, compressor, and expander to derive thermodynamic efficiency.
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TAI Brayton-cycle cryocooler development incorporates new component technologies to attain high
efficiency:
- Oil-free scroll compressor
- Reciprocating mesoscale expander using electrostatics
- Compact high-effectiveness heat exchangers
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| Key components fabricated using semiconductor processes, and MEMS technology.
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| Proof-of-concept demonstration phase is nearing completion. |
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| US Patent 6,595,006 B2, Miniature Reciprocating Heat Pumps and Engines, awarded July 22, 2003!
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Brayton-Cycle Cryocooler Technology |
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| Advantages |
| FEATURES |
IMPLEMENTATION |
| 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. |
| Minimal vibration |
Mass of the moving parts is very small, frequency not excessive.
Piston assemblies can be arranged back-to-back, compensating momentum effects. |
| 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. |
| Compact & lightweight |
High efficiency of expander and heat exchangers greatly reduces weight and size of package. |
| 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. |
| SBIR Development Programs |
| 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 |
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