Cryogenic Cooling System Pressure-Frequency Control for Faster Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical refrigerators have unsatisfactory thermodynamic coefficients of performance and cooling efficiency, requiring high input electrical power to achieve low temperatures, and prolonged cooling times due to inefficient gas pressure management during the cooling cycle.
Innovation Solution
A control system that modulates the frequency of cyclical gas pressure in a cryogenic cooling system using pressure sensors to optimize the cooling process, allowing for real-time adjustments based on pressure feedback to maintain optimal frequency as the system cools, thereby improving cooling efficiency and reducing cooling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical refrigerators operate with fixed frequency gas pressure, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is unsatisfactory and cooling time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed frequency gas pressure operation to variable frequency operation. The control system dynamically adjusts the frequency of gas pressure cycles based on real-time pressure feedback from sensors, allowing the mechanical refrigerator to adapt its operating parameters during the cooling process. This dynamic adjustment optimizes cooling efficiency at different stages of the cooling cycle without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using pressure sensing apparatus to continuously monitor the pressure in supply and/or return gas lines. The control system receives this pressure information and uses it to modulate the frequency of cyclical gas pressure supplied to the mechanical refrigerator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the system automatically adjusts to maintain optimal cooling efficiency throughout the cooling process.
2Power
If high input electrical power is used to drive mechanical refrigerators, then cooling power is achieved, but the thermodynamic coefficient of performance remains unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating the frequency of cyclical gas pressure as a key operating parameter. Instead of operating at a fixed frequency, the system varies the frequency based on pressure feedback, allowing optimization of the thermodynamic cycle. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables better matching of compressor output with refrigerator requirements throughout the cooling process, improving the thermodynamic coefficient of performance while maintaining adequate cooling power.
3Loss of time
If the cooling time is reduced to cool from room temperature to low temperature regime, then productivity improves, but the control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control with pressure sensing apparatus to achieve rapid cooling with appropriate control precision. The pressure sensors provide real-time information about the cooling stage, and the control system adjusts frequency accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism handles the precision requirements, allowing the system to reduce cooling time without compromising control accuracy through manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual control mechanisms with automated electronic control systems. Instead of mechanical or manual adjustment of operating parameters, the system uses electronic pressure sensing and electronic frequency modulation. This substitution enables more precise and rapid adjustments, facilitating reduced cooling times while maintaining or improving control precision through electronic rather than mechanical means.
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 system significantly enhances cooling efficiency and reduces cooling time by dynamically adjusting gas pressure frequency, achieving up to a 35% improvement in key parameters and allowing for faster reaching of low temperatures without direct environmental sensing.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensing apparatus adapted to monitor the pressure in at least one of the supply and return gas lines
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of said supplied gas being modulated by the coupling element in a cyclical manner
Implementation Method 3
a control system adapted to modulate the frequency of the cyclical gas pressure supplied by the coupling element in accordance with the pressure monitored by the pressure sensing apparatus
Implementation Method 4
CCR s operate upon a principle of using the cooling which is associated with the work of compression and expansion of a working gas coolant
Implementation Method 5
cooling which is associated with the work of compression and expansion of a working gas coolant
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for controlling a cryogenic cooling system is described. A supply gas line (3A) and a return gas line (3B) are provided which are coupled to a compressor (1) and to a mechanical refrigerator (2) via a coupling element (4). The coupling element is in gaseous communication with the supply (2A) and return gas lines and supplies gas to the mechanical refrigerator (2). The pressure of the supplied gas is modulated by the coupling element in a cyclical manner. A pressure sensing apparatus (6) monitors the pressure in at least one of the supply and return gas lines. A control system (5) is used to modulate the frequency of the cyclical gas pressure supplied by the coupling element in accordance with the pressure monitored by the pressure sensing apparatus. An associated method of controlling such a system is also described.