Power Dense Free-Piston/Free-Displacer Stirling Cryocooler

Cryogenic cooling offers significant improvements to the operation of several types of electronic systems, including computers, IR detectors, and solid-state lasers. However, commercially available liquid-nitrogen generators do not meet the size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements of many defense systems. In this proposal, Mainstream identifies a method to make significant improvements in cryocooler system SWaP. Design calculations are presented to prove the efficacy of the proposed method. In Phase I, a prototype will be designed and tested to prove the feasibility of the approach. In Phase II, Mainstream will develop an improved system with a 42% weight reduction over the COTS systems, meeting the SWaP goals of the solicitation. The result of this program will be a new cryocooler design that will decrease SWaP of existing cryogenic cooling systems, and allow for new applications of cryogenic cooling.