Method for operating cryocooler and cryocooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryocoolers face challenges in shortening the initial cooling time, as the decrease in working gas pressure during cooling can reduce cooling capacity and prolong the cooldown process.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a cryocooler that includes connecting a second compressor in series with the first compressor and using a buffer volume to maintain the high pressure line within a preset pressure range by controlling the supply valve, ensuring efficient gas circulation and pressure management during initial cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cryocooler operates during initial cooling, then the expander is cooled from initial temperature to cryogenic temperature, but the working gas pressure decreases which reduces cooling capacity and prolongs cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer volume is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressors and the expander. This buffer volume stores working gas and releases it to maintain pressure in the high pressure line during initial cooling, preventing the pressure drop that would otherwise reduce cooling capacity and extend cooling time.
Solution Approach 2:
A second compressor is connected in series with the first compressor before the initial cooling process begins. This preliminary configuration of the dual-compressor system ensures sufficient working gas supply and pressure maintenance from the start of cooling operations.
2Quantity of substance
If a second compressor is connected in series with the first compressor, then the working gas pressure is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically manages the dual-compressor system by adjusting the operating frequency of the compressor motors based on real-time pressure measurements. This dynamic control optimizes the performance of the complex system and allows for the possibility of disconnecting the second compressor after initial cooling, effectively reducing complexity during steady operation.
3Productivity
If the supply valve is controlled to maintain high pressure line pressure, then the cooling capacity is maintained, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are installed in the high pressure line to provide real-time feedback on the working gas pressure. The control system uses this feedback to adjust the supply valve opening degree and compressor operating frequency, maintaining optimal pressure for cooling capacity while enabling automatic control that simplifies operation.
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 maintains the cooling capacity of the cryocooler by keeping the high pressure line within an appropriate range, thereby reducing the initial cooling time and ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first compressor or the second compressor has a compressor motor with a variable operating frequency
Implementation Method 2
executing initial cooling for cooling an expander from an initial temperature to a cryogenic temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a cryocooler includes: connecting a second compressor in series with a first compressor on a high pressure line or a low pressure line; connecting a buffer volume to the low pressure line via a supply valve; executing initial cooling for cooling an expander from an initial temperature to a cryogenic temperature in a state where the second compressor and the buffer volume are connected to the cryocooler; and executing a steady operation of maintaining the expander at the cryogenic temperature after the initial cooling. The execution of the initial cooling includes supplying a working gas to the expander by using the first compressor and the second compressor, and controlling the supply valve to keep a pressure of the high pressure line within a preset appropriate pressure range based on the measured pressure of the high pressure line.