Multi-Pump Sorption Refrigerator Design for Compact Cryogenic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic refrigeration systems are bulky, expensive, and inefficient, requiring large volumes and significant structural support, which limits their use in compact and high-performance applications that require low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pump sorption refrigerator design with thinner walls and a modular configuration, allowing for flexible and compact layouts, faster cooldown, and increased pressure capacity, along with a shared structural cap for fluid communication between pump chambers, enabling more efficient and scalable cryogenic refrigeration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cryogenic refrigeration systems are used, then cooling performance is achieved, but system size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the evaporator is positioned inside the sorption pump chamber, and the condenser is integrated into the same chamber. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, dramatically reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining all necessary cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal or linear system layouts to a vertical configuration, with components arranged along the vertical axis. The evaporator sits at the bottom, the sorption pump chamber occupies the middle section, and the condenser is positioned above, utilizing vertical space to minimize horizontal footprint and achieve compactness.
2Temperature
If conventional cryogenic refrigeration systems are used, then cooling capability is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into integrated assemblies. The sorption pump chamber houses both the evaporator and condenser, eliminating the need for separate external connections and reducing the number of separate manufacturing processes. This integration simplifies assembly procedures and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption pump chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the vacuum chamber for the sorption pump, contains the evaporator for refrigerant evaporation, and houses the condenser for refrigerant condensation. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing by consolidating functions into fewer parts.
3Temperature
If conventional cryogenic refrigeration systems are used, then low temperature cooling is achieved, but system weight and structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the evaporator inside the sorption pump chamber and integrating the condenser within the same chamber, the patent eliminates the need for separate external housings and support structures for each component. This nested arrangement significantly reduces the total material required for structural support, thereby reducing overall system weight.
4Volume of stationary object
If compact sorption refrigerator design is implemented, then system size is reduced, but thermal insulation performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vacuum insulation as an intermediary medium between the internal components (evaporator, condenser, sorption pump) and the external environment. The vacuum chamber creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer, allowing the system to maintain compact dimensions while preserving thermal insulation performance through the use of vacuum as an insulating medium.
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 design results in more compact, efficient, and cost-effective cryogenic refrigeration systems capable of achieving low temperatures with improved mechanical stability and manufacturing efficiency, suitable for demanding applications.
Implementation Method 1
The gas is adsorbed in the pump portion of the refrigerator during operation (e.g., using a thermal switch) so as to lower the pressure in the evaporator portion of the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 2
This causes the liquified gas (e.g., liquid helium) to evaporate from the evaporator portion of the system.
Implementation Method 3
The gas is cooled to its condensation temperature so that it is liquified in the evaporator portion of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage closed-cycle cryogenic refrigeration system is disclosed. The system includes an adsorption refrigerator having a multi-chambered pump unit that can be flexibly configured in the context of the cryogenic refrigeration system resulting in a more efficient design that has a smaller overall size than prior systems and other advantages.