High-Efficiency Low-Volume Flight Pulse Tube Cryocooler

CU Aerospace (CUA) and team partners San Jose St. University (SJSU) and Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC) propose to develop a robust epoxy resin regenerator capable of improving cryocooler efficiency by more than 30%, and to design an enhanced compressor motor capable of improving the cryocooler efficiency by more than 20%. LMSSC manufactures a space cryocooler that already meets most of the solicitation goals, with the exception of the desired power efficiency; this provides an excellent starting point with a high probability of success on this STTR program for our innovative microvascular technology.Cryocooler efficiency can be greatly improved with better regenerator materials, and with an improved compressor motor configuration. The regenerator material can be tailored to a wide variety of cryocooler temperatures, and offers improved efficiency for every cryocooler made by LMSSC.The performance benefit derived from lower flow friction in the regenerator has been experimentally demonstrated to provide a 20% efficiency enhancement in a single-stage pulse tube cooling at 125 K. This Epoxy Resin Circular Hole (ERCH) regenerator will be low cost, high performance material beneficial for every cryocooler.Likewise, the enhanced motor configuration will provide higher efficiency for all cryocooler applications.Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)