NASA SBIR 00-1 SOLICITATION
FORM 9B - PROJECT SUMMARY
PROPOSAL NUMBER 00-1 17.04-8670 (Chron: 001331 )
PROJECT TITLE
Multi-Stage Pulse-Tube Cryocoolers or Sensor and Electronics Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Sunpower proposes to investigate the feasibility of highly-efficient multi-stage pulse-tube cryocoolers for cooling loads in the range of 10 to 100 mW at temperatures of 10 to 12 K, satisfying the requirements of NASA SBIR subtopic 17.04, Thermal Control and Cryogenic Systems. These cryocoolers will employ low-cost and reliable linear-motor, gas-bearing compressors operating in the range of 40 to 60 Hz with electrical inputs on the order of 100 W or lower. In the expander section, each stage will comprise a regenerator and pulse-tube in a u-tube configuration fitted to an inertance-tube phase shifter and reservoir volume
Achieving high efficiencies at these relatively low cooling powers will require special care to minimize thermal losses. Integral with the cryocooler design, Sunpower proposes to investigate the cryo-package design, including the physical dimensions of the likely cooled device as well as the optimal insulation strategy. To maximize overall system efficiency, intermediate-stage cooling will anchor radiation shielding at each intermediate-stage temperature, where radiant heat loading can be removed more efficiently.
This project will employ the Sage pulse-tube design software (Gedeon Associates) for the multi-stage cryocooler modeling as well as the overall cryo-package optimization.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Applications for the proposed cryocoolers include infrared sensors and low-temperature superconducting devices, such as analog-to-digital converters, high-speed digital switches and quantum-computers. The proposed cryocoolers could also serve as pre-coolers (10-12 K heat sinks) for magnetic, or other, refrigeration technology designed for sub-Kelvin cooling, as required for various sensor technologies used in spaceborne or terrestrial radio astronomy and solar-physical observation.
The proposed cryocoolers would also facilitate the creation of future superconducting-electronic or low-noise-sensor commercial technologies by providing low-cost, reliable and efficient cooling in a compact package.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
(Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
James Gary Wood
Sunpower, Inc.
182 Mill Street
Athens , OH 74501 - 2627
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
(Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Sunpower, Inc.
182 Mill Street
Athens , OH 45701 - 2627