Dilution refrigeration device and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilution refrigeration systems are inadequate for achieving the high cooling powers required for advanced quantum computing applications, such as manipulating tens of thousands to millions of qubits, as they struggle to maintain temperatures in the milliKelvin range with sufficient refrigeration power.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cryogenic pumping member between the boiler and the transfer member in the dilution refrigeration device's working circuit, which allows for increased cycle fluid flow and cold power production by operating at cold temperatures and using a cryogenic refrigerator with a loop working circuit containing helium, including compression, cooling, expansion, and heating mechanisms, along with multiple heat exchange portions and liquefied working gas storage tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional dilution refrigeration systems are used, then temperatures in the milliKelvin range can be achieved, but the refrigeration power is insufficient for advanced quantum computing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent dilution loops (first dilution loop, second dilution loop, etc.), each capable of providing refrigeration power. By segmenting the system into parallel loops, the total refrigeration power is increased while maintaining the required milliKelvin temperatures, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving low temperatures and providing sufficient refrigeration power.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more qubits are manipulated, then quantum computing capabilities are enhanced, but the refrigeration power requirements exceed traditional system capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dilution loops are configured in parallel, with each loop capable of supporting quantum computing operations. This segmentation allows the system to scale refrigeration power linearly with the number of loops, enabling support for tens of thousands to millions of qubits while maintaining adaptability for various quantum computing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The dilution refrigeration device is designed with universal applicability for advanced quantum computing operations, supporting manipulation of large numbers of qubits across multiple loops. Each loop can independently support quantum computing tasks, providing multi-functionality that scales with computational requirements.
3Power
If cycle fluid flow rate is increased to boost cold power, then refrigeration power improves, but pumping energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cycle fluid flow is divided across multiple parallel dilution loops, with each loop having its own pumping requirements. By distributing the total flow rate across multiple smaller loops rather than one large loop, the pumping energy per loop is reduced while the total cold power output increases proportionally with the number of loops.
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 configuration enhances pumping efficiency and cold power production, enabling temperatures below 20mK and pressures up to 500 mbar, addressing the limitations of traditional systems by increasing flow rate and reducing energy and size requirements for pumping, thus supporting more advanced quantum computing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
it comprises at least one cryogenic pumping member located in the working circuit between the boiler and the transfer member
Implementation Method 2
at least one cooling member in heat exchange with the working circuit and configured to transfer frigories to the cycle fluid
Implementation Method 3
The working circuit comprises at least a first heat exchange portion between at least a part of the first pipe assembly and the second pipe assembly
Implementation Method 4
the refrigerator being configured to liquefy working fluid in said tanks at respective distinct temperatures
Implementation Method 5
a working fluid expansion mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Dilution refrigeration device and method comprising a loop working circuit (20) containing a working fluid comprising a mixture of helium-3 (3He) and helium-4 (4He), the working circuit (20) comprising, arranged in series and fluidically connected via a first set of pipes (2, 4), a mixing chamber (3), an evaporator (5) and transfer member (6), the first set of pipes (2, 4) being configured to transfer the working fluid from an outlet of the mixing chamber (3) to an inlet of the evaporator (5) and from an outlet of the evaporator (5) to an inlet of the transfer member (6), the working circuit (20) comprising a second set of pipes (7) connecting an outlet of the transfer member (6) to an inlet of the mixing chamber (3), the working circuit (20) comprising at least a first heat-exchange portion (9) for exchange of heat between at least part of the first set of pipes (2, 4) and the second set of pipes (7), the first heat-exchange portion (9) being situated between the evaporator (5) and the mixing chamber (3), the device further comprising at least one cooling member (22, 12) in a heat-exchange relationship with the working circuit (20), the device comprising at least one cryogenic pumping member (8) situated in the working circuit (20) between the evaporator (5) and the transfer member (6).