Project Title:

A Reliable, Long-Lifetime Closed-Cycle Cryocooler for Space

09.12-3800B
A Reliable, Long-Lifetime Closed-Cycle Cryocooler for Space
Creare Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover
NH
03755
Sixsmith
Herbert
NAS5-29436
Amount:   
GSFC
NAS5-28642

Abstract:

   This proposal describes Phase II of a program to develop a 5 watt, 70Kcryocooler based on rotating turbomachines in a reverse-
Brayton cycle.  The recently completed Phase I of this program established the preliminary
design specifications for the cryocooler and showed that the proposed concept is
feasible.  The objective of Phase II is to build and test a single stage, closed-
cycle cryocooler using miniature turbomachinery.  The main component development
effort will center around the development of a high-speed motor/centrifugal compressor
unit.  We will use existing designs/technology for the other cryocooler components.
 The turboexpander design will be based on that of other expanders we have built
in the past to meet very similar specifications, and heat exchanger suitable for
demonstrating the cycle on earth will be built from commercially available finned
tubing.  This effort will result in a working engineering model of a turbomachine-based
cryocooler which will be used to demonstrate the concept, validate the component
design methodologies, and establish the design for a
 flight prototype cryocooler.