Cryogenic refrigerator and operating method for cryogenic refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initial cooling time of cryocoolers is lengthy, which is undesirable as it is merely a preparation for cooling the target object, and there is a need to shorten this time.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler system with a buffer volume, supply and collection valves, and a controller that adjusts the pressure of the high pressure line within a preset range using pressure sensors to manage the working gas flow during initial cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the cryocooler operates without pressure control during initial cooling, then the structure is simpler, but the initial cooling time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer volume is pre-filled with working gas before the initial cooling process begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that sufficient working gas is available in the buffer to maintain pressure during the subsequent rapid cooling phase, eliminating the need for complex real-time pressure control systems while enabling faster cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer volume acts as an intermediary between the gas supply and the expander system. It stores working gas and releases it as needed to maintain pressure stability during initial cooling, mediating the pressure fluctuations that would otherwise require complex active control systems.
2Productivity
If the pressure of working gas is not controlled during initial cooling, then the system operation is simpler, but the cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer volume with pre-stored working gas enables the system to self-regulate pressure during initial cooling without requiring external control intervention. The buffer automatically supplies gas to maintain pressure as the expander consumes it, achieving efficient cooling through passive self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-filling the buffer volume with adequate working gas before operation, the system is prepared to maintain optimal pressure during the entire initial cooling process without requiring active pressure monitoring or adjustment, thus preserving operational simplicity while ensuring cooling efficiency.
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
The initial cooling time of the cryocooler is significantly reduced by effectively managing the pressure of the working gas, ensuring efficient and rapid cooldown to cryogenic temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
an expander capable of executing initial cooling for cooling from an initial temperature to a cryogenic temperature
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor that measures a pressure of the high pressure line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A cryocooler (10) includes: an expander (14) capable of executing initial cooling for cooling from an initial temperature to a cryogenic temperature and a steady operation of maintaining the cryogenic temperature subsequent to the initial cooling; a high pressure line (63) which is connected to the expander (14) and through which a working gas taken into the expander (14) flows; a low pressure line (64) which is connected to the expander (14) and through which a working gas exhausted from the expander (14) flows; a first pressure sensor (54) that measures a pressure of the high pressure line (63); a buffer volume (70) for storing the working gas; a supply valve (72) that connects the buffer volume (70) to the low pressure line (64); and a controller (110) that controls the supply valve (72) to keep the pressure of the high pressure line (63) within a preset appropriate pressure range based on the pressure of the high pressure line (63) measured by the first pressure sensor (54) during the initial cooling.