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Performance Enhancement for 4 K Pulse Tube Cryocoolers

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
95131 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
N10A-026-0151 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
NAVY 10T026 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
CREARE, INC.
P.O. BOX 71 HANOVER, NH 03755-
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Performance Enhancement for 4 K Pulse Tube Cryocoolers
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N00014-10-M-0246
Award Amount: $69,942.00
 

Abstract:

Future military communication systems will utilize advanced superconductor digital electronics that will require efficient cooling at low temperatures near 4 K. We propose to improve the efficiency of pulse-tube cryocoolers by addressing the two primary performance limitations. These are operation in adverse orientations and performance of the regenerator at low temperatures. We will develop (1) a CFD model to quantify the losses associated with gravity-induced flow; and (2) an advanced regenerator that uses an innovative non-rare-earth material to achieve a very high volumetric specific heat and a novel configuration for high thermal and fluid performance. The regenerator's large heat capacity, small void volume and low flow restriction will substantially improve the thermal efficiency of low temperature pulse-tube cryocoolers. The regenerator significantly increases a cryocooler's net cooling and thus minimizes the impact of parasitic losses in a pulse tube at an adverse gravity orientation. In Phase I, we will analyze the performance of a pulse tube cooler at different gravity orientations, optimize the regenerator design, and identify a fabrication approach for the regenerator.

Principal Investigator:

Weibo Chen
Principal Investigator
6036433800
wbc@creare.com

Business Contact:

James Barry
President
6036433800
contractsmgr@creare.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Creare Inc.
P.O. Box 71 Hanover, NH 03755

EIN/Tax ID: 020259551
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research and Sponsored Program
21 N. Park St., Suite 6401
Madison, WI 53715
Contact: Cheryl E. Gest
Contact Phone: 6082624880