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Aerospace cryocooler selection for optimum payload performance.

Author(s) : KIRKCONNELL C. S.

Summary

As evidenced by the wide variety of aerospace cryocooler designs presently deployed in space and in development for future deployment, widely variable payload requirements drive the need for a broad selection of cryocooler types and sizes. Reverse Brayton, Stirling, pulse tube, and Joule-Thomson are the most common types, along with hybrid combinations of these, such as the Raytheon Stirling/pulse tube two-stage line of cryocoolers. Each of these types embodies its own unique advantages, the relevance and importance of which are strongly payload-dependent functions. Operating temperatures, heat loads, number of refrigeration stages, payload physical configuration, and maximum allowable emitted vibration are examples of key payload requirements that drive the selection of the optimum cryocooler type and size. Another critical factor is procurement cost, particularly for the emerging class of 'responsive space' infrared sensors requiring cryogenic refrigeration. This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the various cryocooler types and how these characteristics can be aligned for the user's greatest advantage with the payload requirements.

Details

  • Original title: Aerospace cryocooler selection for optimum payload performance.
  • Record ID : 2008-2407
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Publication date: 2006/06/14
  • Source: Source: Proc. 14th int. Cryocooler Conf., Annapolis, MD
    605-614; fig.; phot.; tabl.; 22 ref.

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