Cryocooler and method for operating cryocooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-system cryocoolers, synchronizing the opening and closing timings of pressure switching valves can lead to deteriorated refrigerating performance when cryocoolers operate simultaneously, necessitating asynchronous operation to maintain efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cryocooler system comprising a compressor, multiple cold heads connected in parallel, pressure sensors to measure pressure waveforms, and a controller that acquires individual pressure data from each cold head to operate them simultaneously and asynchronously based on the measured waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple cold heads are operated simultaneously with synchronized valve timing, then the system structure is simplified and ease of operation is improved, but refrigerating performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating frequencies of individual cold heads based on their respective pressure waveform characteristics. The controller varies the drive frequency of each cold head's compressor independently, transforming the static synchronized operation into dynamic asynchronous operation that optimizes refrigerating performance while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (frequency) of each cold head based on measured pressure waveform data. By acquiring individual pressure waveform characteristics and adjusting frequencies accordingly, the system achieves asynchronous operation that prevents performance deterioration while keeping the control system relatively simple.
2Reliability
If inverters are added to each cold head to enable asynchronous operation, then refrigerating performance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it measures pressure for operational control and simultaneously provides waveform data for frequency adjustment decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving asynchronous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure waveform feedback from each cold head to automatically adjust operating frequencies. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to achieve asynchronous operation without requiring complex pre-programming or manual intervention, balancing performance maintenance with controlled complexity increase.
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
Enables efficient asynchronous operation of multiple cold heads, enhancing refrigerating performance by avoiding synchronized valve timing issues, even in systems without inverters and with fixed operating frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that measures a pressure of a working gas on a supply side from the compressor to the plurality of cold heads or on a collection side from the plurality of cold heads to the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A cryocooler includes: a compressor; a plurality of cold heads connected in parallel to the compressor; a pressure sensor that measures a pressure of a working gas on a supply side from the compressor to the plurality of cold heads or on a collection side from the plurality of cold heads to the compressor; and a controller configured to acquire, for each of the plurality of cold heads, individual pressure waveform data measured by the pressure sensor when the cold head is individually operated, and to operate the plurality of cold heads simultaneously and asynchronously based on the individual pressure waveform data of the plurality of cold heads.