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Active TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 6)
This project will design, build, and demonstrate a 20W 20K Reverse Turbo-Brayton (RTB) cryocooler with a specific mass of 4.4 kg / W and a specific power requirement of 60 W / W while rejecting heat at 270 K. Project objectives include:
1. Build and inspect rotor and bearing components for 20W 20K RTB Cryocooler compressors.
2. Assemble and test the 20W 20K RTB Cryocooler compressors.
3. Complete build of the 20W 20K RTB Cryocooler.
4. Conduct acceptance testing of the 20W 20K RTB Cryocooler to validate system performance in an operational environment.
5. Conduct characterization testing of the 20W 20K RTB cryocooler performance over a broader range of expected operating conditions.
6. Deliver the validated cryocooler system to NASA.
7. Conduct environmental vibration testing on cryocooler system.
8. Conduct thermal vacuum performance testing on the cryocooler system.
The 20W 20K Cryocooler Project was stood up to address the need for zero boil off storage of Liquid Hydrogen (LH2), critical to Nuclear Thermal Propulsion as well as LH2-based architectures for exploration. It has application to 2-stage cooling and HLS architecture.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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