Abstract: Cryocooler problems such as poor reliability and high cost have limited the application areas for cryogenics. Recent advances in cryocoolers are beginning to alleviate some of the problems. This chapter presents applications for such cryocoolers, and reviews the requirements which these applications impose on the cryocoolers. Most applications require improved reliability. For space applications the additional requirement of high efficiency is needed, whereas for commercial applications low cost is also a primary factor. Developments within the last 10 years to meet some of these requirements include the use of flexure and gas bearings to eliminate rubbing contact, pulse tube refrigerators to eliminate the moving displacer in Sterling and Gifford-McMahon refrigerators, the use of gas mixtures to improve efficiency of Joule-Thomson refrigerators and to allow the use of commercial compressors, the use of sorption compressors and thermoacoustic drivers to replace mechanical compressors and pressure oscillators, and the use of new high heat capacity materials to allow Gifford-McMahon and pulse tube refrigerators to reach temperatures below 4 K. A new cycle, known as the Boreas cycle, provides improved efficiency in small 4 K refrigerators. The status and future trends of these developments are presented in the chapter.
Publication Year: 1997
Publication Date: 1997-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 29
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