Annular cryocooler compressor systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryocooler systems are bulky and generate significant vibrations, which negatively impact the performance and compactness of refrigeration systems, particularly in applications like infrared cameras where reduced noise and size are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an annular linear compressor that occupies the space around the dewar enclosure efficiently, using an annular piston assembly to reduce radial vibrations and maintain compactness while providing sufficient cooling power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional compressors are used in cryocooler systems, then sufficient cooling power can be provided, but the system becomes bulky and generates significant vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into multiple independent piston assemblies (first and second piston assemblies) that operate in opposition to each other. This segmentation allows the compressors to be more compact while maintaining sufficient cooling power through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units rather than relying on a single large compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston assemblies are arranged concentrically within the compressor housing, with one piston assembly positioned inside the annular space of another. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall volume of the compressor while maintaining the necessary cooling capacity.
2Power
If conventional compressors are used in cryocooler systems, then sufficient cooling power can be provided, but significant vibrations are generated that impact performance
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second piston assemblies are configured to move in opposition to each other, with their motions phased such that the vibrations generated by one piston assembly counterbalance the vibrations from the other. This counter-vibration approach significantly reduces the net harmful vibrations transmitted to the cooled device while maintaining adequate cooling power.
3Volume of stationary object
If system size is reduced for compact applications, then integration with flight platforms and handheld systems is facilitated, but vibration mitigation becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the compressor into multiple small piston assemblies rather than a single large unit, the overall system size is reduced for compact applications while the coordinated operation of segmented pistons provides inherent vibration cancellation that mitigates the vibration challenges of compact designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing piston assemblies are specifically configured to provide counterbalancing vibrations that cancel each other out, enabling compact system design without sacrificing vibration mitigation performance - a critical requirement for handheld and flight platform integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution results in lower noise, reduced blurring, and more accurate infrared imagery by minimizing radial vibrations and maintaining the compactness and cooling power of the refrigeration system, suitable for applications such as spaceflight and handheld systems.
Implementation Method 1
an annular linear compressor configured to generate a compression wave of working gas for the system
Implementation Method 2
Cryogenic refrigeration systems, or cryocoolers, are typically used to cool other devices to temperatures approaching or below approximately 120 Kelvin
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to reduce the overall physical size of and mechanical vibrations within a cryocooler/refrigeration system configured to provide cryogenic and/or general cooling of a device or sensor system. A refrigeration system includes an annular linear compressor configured to generate a compression wave of working gas for the system. The annular linear compressor includes an annular cylinder head with a pressure plate and a neck protruding from one side of the annular cylinder head, a compressor housing configured to mate with the pressure plate and the neck of the annular cylinder head and form a sealed cavity therebetween, and an annular cylinder assembly disposed within the sealed cavity and about the neck of the annular cylinder head. The annular cylinder assembly includes an annular piston assembly disposed within an annular cylinder of the annular cylinder assembly.