Regenerators for 10 Kelvin Cryocoolers

Future NASA astrophysics and exploration missions will require various enhancements in multi-stage cryocoolers. These include increased efficiency, reduced vibration and reductions in overall system mass and power consumption. For the coolers required, Stirling and pulse tube coolers offer the best opportunities. At present, the efficiency of these coolers is limited by the effectiveness of low-temperature-stage regenerators. Below about 60 K, two factors play key roles in reducing the effectiveness of regenerators. The heat capacity of most materials falls rapidly with decreasing temperature, thus, reducing the efficiency. Also, materials commonly used are only available in powder form, a form known to raise reliability issues. In the proposed effort, we will address both the aspect of high-efficiency and regenerator durability. First, a Rare Earth alloy, that below 60 K has a heat capacity higher than that of commonly used materials, will be configured in a well-defined intricate porous matrix; Secondly, both the void fraction and the ratio of surface area to solid fraction of the regenerator matrix will be tailored using a new approach, addressing that both form and thermal characteristics are essential to achieving a high efficiency.

Astrophysical, astrobiology and exploration missions planned by NASA depend on the availability of reliable and efficient multi-stage cryocoolers. Advanced astrophysics missions such as the James Web Space Telescope (JWST) require low temperature cooling for detectors and their associated optics directly. Missions requiring a large cooled telescope mirror would be impossible without efficient low temperature closed-cycle cryocoolers. Further, the long-term storage of cryogenic propellants, in particular liquid hydrogen is of interest. The conservation of propellant on long-term space flight will be an enabling technology for exploration and planetary missions.

There are a number of commercial applications which require cryocoolers that will benefit from high efficiency low-temperature regenerators. A partial list includes: - Superconducting electronics - Superconducting magnets for MRI systems - Superconducting magnets for power generation and energy storage - SQUID magnetometers for heart and brain studies - HTS filters for the communication industry - Liquefaction of industrial gases - Cryopumps for semiconductor manufacturing.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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