Pulse Tube Cryogenic Refrigerator With Valve-Based Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cryogenic refrigerators, the phase control of the gas piston inside the pulse tube is not properly performed, leading to excessive displacement and insufficient refrigeration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic refrigerator design that includes a first refrigerator with a double inlet type structure, a second refrigerator with an orifice and buffer tank, and a connecting pipe with a flow control valve, allowing for controlled phase difference between pressure variation and displacement of the refrigerant gas, enhancing refrigeration efficiency by optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a pulse tube refrigerator is used to produce ultralow temperature, then cooling performance is improved, but the phase control of the gas piston inside the pulse tube cannot be properly performed leading to excessive displacement
Solution Approach 1:
A second refrigerator is introduced as an intermediary device connected to the high temperature end of the pulse tube through a connecting pipe with flow control valve. This intermediary system helps regulate the phase of the refrigerant gas and control the displacement of the gas piston, enabling proper phase control while maintaining ultralow temperature production.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control valve in the connecting pipe allows dynamic adjustment of refrigerant gas flow parameters. By changing the flow rate and phase characteristics of the refrigerant gas, the system can optimize the gas piston displacement and phase control, resolving the contradiction between achieving ultralow temperature and maintaining proper phase control.
2Productivity
If the output of the second refrigerator is made smaller than the first refrigerator, then refrigeration efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into two distinct refrigerator units with different output capacities. The first refrigerator handles the primary cooling load while the second, smaller refrigerator assists with phase control and refrigerant gas regulation. This segmentation allows each unit to operate at optimal efficiency points while distributing system functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic flow control through the valve in the connecting pipe, allowing the second refrigerator to adaptively adjust its operation based on the phase and flow requirements of the refrigerant gas. This dynamic control enables efficient operation despite the added system complexity.
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 improves refrigeration efficiency by effectively controlling the phase difference and displacement of the refrigerant gas, reducing energy consumption and enhancing cooling performance on the low temperature side of the pulse tube.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control valve provided in the connecting pipe and performing a flow control of the refrigerant gas flowing inside the connecting pipe
Implementation Method 2
a regenerator which performs intake or ejection of a refrigerant gas relative to the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed cryogenic refrigerator includes a first refrigerator including a compressor, a regenerator which performs intake or ejection of a refrigerant gas relative to the compressor, and a pulse tube whose low temperature end is connected to a low temperature end of the regenerator; a second refrigerator having an output smaller than the first refrigerator; a connecting pipe which performs intake and ejection of the refrigerant gas relative to a high temperature end of the pulse tube and the second refrigerator; and a flow control valve which is provided in the connecting pipe and performs a flow control of the refrigerant gas flowing inside the connecting pipe.