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A compact, high-performance continuous magnetic refrigerator for space missions.

Author(s) : SHIRRON P., CANAVAN E., DIPIRRO M., et al.

Type of article: Article

Summary

The authors present test results of the first adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) that produce true continuous cooling at sub-kelvin temperatures. This system uses multiple stages that operate in sequence to cascade heat from a "continuous" stage up to a heat sink. Continuous operation avoids the usual constraints of long hold times and short recycle times that lead to the generally large mass of single-shot ADRs, and allows us to achieve much higher cooling power per unit mass. The autors' design goal is 10 µW of cooling at 50 mK while rejecting heat to a 6-10 K heat sink. The total cold mass is estimated to be less than 10 kg, including magnetic shielding of each stage. These parameters envelop the requirements for currently planned astronomy missions. The relatively high temperature heat rejection capability allows it to operate with a mechanical cryocooler as part of a cryogen-free, low temperature cooling system. This has the advantages of long mission life and reduced complexity and cost. The authors assembled a three-stage ADR that operates with a superfluid helium bath. Additional work is under way to develop magnetocaloric materials that can extend its heat rejection capability up to 10 K. This article covers design, operation and performance of the ADR.

Details

  • Original title: A compact, high-performance continuous magnetic refrigerator for space missions.
  • Record ID : 2004-0003
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Cryogenics - vol. 41 - n. 11-12
  • Publication date: 2001/11

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