Cryogenic Refrigerator Frequency Modulation to Reduce Vibration Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical refrigerators used in cryogenic cooling systems generate noise due to mechanical vibrations, which can disrupt sensitive experiments and procedures, particularly in quantum computing, where minimizing noise is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method to reduce noise by monitoring vibrations in the cooling system and modulating the operating frequency of the mechanical refrigerator to decouple harmonics from structural resonances, using a frequency adjuster and controller to adjust the motor frequency, thereby reducing vibration amplitudes without affecting the minimum temperature achievable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If mechanical refrigerators are used to achieve cryogenic temperatures, then cooling performance is improved, but noise levels increase due to mechanical vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating frequency of the mechanical refrigerator adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically modulates the operating frequency to detune structural resonances, thereby reducing vibration amplitudes and noise while maintaining effective cooling operation at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the mechanical refrigerator to optimize performance. By modulating the frequency, the system avoids resonant conditions that amplify vibrations, thus reducing noise while preserving the cooling function
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the operating frequency of the mechanical refrigerator is modulated to reduce vibrations, then noise is reduced, but thermal performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the operating frequency around an optimal setpoint. This periodic adjustment allows the system to continuously avoid resonant frequencies that amplify vibrations, while the modulation is designed to maintain the average cooling performance and achieve the required minimum temperature
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 approach significantly reduces noise levels by up to 50% while maintaining the minimum temperature, improving the thermal performance and data quality in sensitive experiments.
Implementation Method 1
the use of mechanical refrigerators causes additional noise within the cooling system in which they are placed due to the use of motors to drive many types of mechanical refrigerators
Implementation Method 2
the standard motor supplied with a mechanical refrigerator is the primary source of noise generated by the mechanical refrigerator
Implementation Method 3
modulating an operating frequency of the mechanical refrigerator based on the monitored vibrations so as to reduce the amplitude of the vibrations
Implementation Method 4
modulating the operating frequency of the mechanical refrigerator to decouple harmonics from structural resonances
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of reducing noise in a cryogenic cooling system associated with a mechanical refrigerator forming part of said cooling system. The method comprises: monitoring vibrations in the cooling system during operation of the mechanical refrigerator; and modulating an operating frequency of the mechanical refrigerator based on the monitored vibrations so as to reduce the amplitude of said vibrations. This allows noise within the cooling system to be reduced.