Cryocooler diagnostic system, cryocooler, and cryocooler diagnostic method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryocoolers, such as Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers, face challenges in predicting and addressing failures like decreased refrigeration performance due to abrasion or consumable component life, leading to prolonged system downtime for maintenance and potential refrigerant loss.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system that uses a pressure sensor to measure pressure waveforms within the cryocooler, a calculation processing device to analyze the amplitude of drive frequencies and their multiples, and a diagnostic device to diagnose potential failures based on these calculations, allowing for proactive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure measurement is performed only for differential pressure control, then the control function is simple, but the diagnostic capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it simultaneously performs differential pressure control and diagnostic measurements. By analyzing the pressure waveform data for amplitude and frequency characteristics, the same measurement system provides both control and diagnostic capabilities without requiring separate sensors or measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure waveform data acts as an intermediary that carries information for both control and diagnosis. The calculation processing device extracts multiple parameters (amplitude, frequency components) from the same pressure measurements, enabling diagnostic functionality through data processing rather than additional hardware.
2Productivity
If maintenance is performed based on fixed schedules, then maintenance planning is simple, but system downtime is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system performs preliminary detection of abnormalities by continuously monitoring pressure waveform characteristics. By identifying trends such as amplitude changes or frequency shifts before they indicate actual failure, the system enables proactive maintenance scheduling, allowing repairs to be planned during optimal times rather than responding to sudden failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on cryocooler health status through amplitude analysis of pressure waveforms. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of maintenance schedules based on actual condition, allowing extended operation between maintenance intervals when the system is healthy and triggering earlier maintenance when degradation is detected.
Data Source
AI summary
A cryocooler diagnostic system includes a cryocooler including a pressure sensor that measures a pressure inside the cryocooler, a calculation processing device configured to receive a measured pressure waveform indicating the pressure inside the cryocooler measured by the pressure sensor, and calculate an amplitude of a drive frequency of the cryocooler or of a frequency component that is an integer multiple of the drive frequency from the measured pressure waveform, and a diagnostic device configured to receive the amplitude calculated by the calculation processing device and diagnose the cryocooler based on the amplitude.