NASA SBIR 2022-I Solicitation

Proposal Summary

Proposal Information

Proposal Number:
22-1- S16.07-1644
Subtopic Title:
Cryogenic Systems for Sensors and Detectors
Proposal Title:
High-Efficiency Modified Collins Cycle Cryocooler

Small Business Concern

   
Firm:
          
Triton Systems, Inc.
          
   
Address:
          
200 Turnpike Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824
          
   
Phone:
          
(978) 250-4200                                                                                                                                                                                
          

Principal Investigator:

   
Name:
          
Brady Krass
          
   
E-mail:
          
bkrass@tritonsys.com
          
   
Address:
          
330 Billerica Road, Suite 200, MA 01824 - 4040
          
   
Phone:
          
(978) 856-1902                                                                                                                                                                                
          

Business Official:

   
Name:
          
Collette Jolliffe
          
   
E-mail:
          
cjolliffe@tritonsystems.com
          
   
Address:
          
330 Billerica Road Suite 200, MA 01824 - 4040
          
   
Phone:
          
(978) 856-4158                                                                                                                                                                                
          

Summary Details:

   
Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :                                                                                                                                                          
Begin: 2
End: 3
          
          
     
Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words):

Existing space qualified cryocoolers are typically Stirling and pulse-tube type cryocoolers that achieve compactness and reliability by adopting mechanically simple cold head configurations, at the expense of thermodynamic efficiency.  Large terrestrial cryogenic refrigerators achieve higher thermodynamic efficiencies but use mechanically complex designs that are not feasible at a small scale.  The ideal space cryocooler would have the efficiency of a large terrestrial machines, but with the compactness and reliability of a pulse-tube or Stirling cryocooler. 

A cryocooler concept approaching this ideal has been investigated and achieves compactness and reliability by using microelectronics to enable complex valve timing in a mechanically simple and efficient design. It is based upon a modification of the Collins cycle.  Key component technologies include floating piston expanders and electromagnetic Smart Valves have been demonstrated in a prototype low-temperature cryocooler stage.

Cryocoolers are an enabling technology for space missions viewing in the infrared, gamma-ray and x-ray spectrums, providing the necessary environment for low temperature detectors and sensors, as well as for telescopes and instrument optics on infrared observatories. Detectors and sensors provide better imaging performance at lower temperature. The Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) of the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope includes a 7K cryocooler for detector cooling. The next generation of space telescopes include the LYNX (X-ray surveyor) and Origins Space Telescope (far IR surveyor) that are planned for launch in 2030.

A 4K 4-stage pulse tube cryocooler from Lockheed Martin is the current baseline design for the LYNX mission, with expected electrical power is 10,000 W per Watt of cooling at 4K. The proposed Modified Collins Cycle is expected to reduce the power draw for 4K cooling to about 2,000 W per Watt of cooling

          
          
     
Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

The next generation of space telescopes, including the LYNX (X-ray surveyor) and Origins Space Telescope (far IR surveyor) that are planned for launch in 2030, will require cooling to 4K and will benefit from development of this technology. Successful development will result in 4X to 5X reduction of power for cryogenic cooling.

          
          
     
Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

The principal non-NASA application is cooling of low-temperature superconducting magnets used in MRI and NMR imaging machines. Other applications include cooling low-temperature superconducting electronics, including quantum computing. This is an ideal technology for cooling devices using magnesium diboride superconductors.

          
          
     
Duration:     6
          
          
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