Dilution refrigeration device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional helium-3/helium-4 dilution refrigeration devices suffer from vibration-induced power overconsumption, overheating, and parasitic noise due to mechanical coupling with cryogenerators, and are complex and bulky due to multiple fluid circuits.
Innovation Solution
A dilution refrigeration device with a working circuit using a mixture of helium-3 and helium-4, incorporating a cryogenerator mechanically insulated via a flexible bellows and a fluid-tight sheath, with fluid lines decoupled from the cryogenerator to prevent vibration transmission, and a compact design using a single fluid for both the working fluid and sheath atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cryogenerator is mechanically coupled to a dilution refrigeration device, then cooling capability is provided, but vibrations are transmitted causing power overconsumption, overheating, and parasitic noise
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bellows is introduced as an intermediary element between the cryogenerator and the dilution refrigeration device. This bellows provides thermal coupling to enable cooling while mechanically isolating the two components, thereby preventing vibration transmission from the cryogenerator to the dilution refrigerator and eliminating the associated harmful effects of power overconsumption, overheating, and parasitic noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling between the cryogenerator and dilution refrigeration device is removed. The cryogenerator remains thermally connected through the flexible bellows, but the rigid mechanical link that transmits vibrations is extracted, allowing the cooling function to be maintained while eliminating the vibration problem.
2Temperature
If multiple fluid circuits are used in dilution refrigeration devices, then refrigeration function is achieved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid circuits into a single integrated circuit. The dilution refrigeration device uses one continuous fluid circuit that circulates working fluid through the mixing chamber, heat exchangers, and back to the cryogenerator, eliminating the need for separate circuits and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full refrigeration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fluid circuit performs multiple functions: it provides refrigeration cooling through the mixing chamber, enables heat exchange through the heat exchangers, and facilitates fluid circulation between components. This multi-functional circuit replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized circuits, simplifying the device architecture.
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 solution effectively isolates the cold dilution part from cryogenerator vibrations, resulting in a compact and efficient refrigeration system capable of achieving very low temperatures with reduced power consumption and noise, while maintaining efficient heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a working circuit in the form of a loop containing a cycle fluid, the cycle fluid comprising a mixture of helium-3 (3He) and helium-4 (4He)... a mixing chamber, a boiler and a transfer member... configured to transfer cold energy to the cycle fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least one cooling member which is in heat exchange with the working circuit and is configured to transfer cold energy to the cycle fluid, the at least one cooling member comprising a cryogenerator
Implementation Method 3
an open end of the enclosure that is mechanically connected to the support via a fluid-tight flexible bellows... a fluid-tight sheath housed in the enclosure... such that the enclosure and the sheath are at least partially mechanically insulated from vibrations generated by the cryogenerator
Data Source
AI summary
Dilution refrigeration device having a support member, a fluid-tight enclosure, an open end of the fluid-tight enclosure being mechanically connected to the support member via a flexible fluid-tight bellows, an upper end of a cryogenerator being secured to the support member, the device further having a fluid-tight sheath which is received in the enclosure, a lower end of the cryogenerator extending in the fluid-tight sheath inside the fluid-tight flexible bellows so that the enclosure and the fluid-tight sheath are at least partially mechanically insulated from the vibrations generated by the cryogenerator.