Magnetic FPA Cooler

ABSTRACT: Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop a no moving parts magnetic refrigerator system capable of cooling focal plane arrays (FPA) to temperatures below 123 K. The system will utilize a multiple stage magnetocaloric effect chain to reject heat to a 300 K environment while enabling FPA cooling below 123 K with an efficiency better than 100W/W. The system relies on static magnets and magnetocaloric materials and an innovative fluid handling system is used to circulate refrigerant in the system. During Phase I we will design a three stage magnetic refrigerator capable of providing 1 W of cooling power. The design will comprise selection of magnetocaloric materials, fluid refrigerant and the design of the fluid circulation system. During Phase II we will build two deliverable refrigerators based on the Phase I design. BENEFIT: Successful construction of a magnetic refrigerator with no moving parts will enable high reliability, stable FPA platforms to be constructed for space applications. Commercial applications of the technology include high performance refrigerators for scientific instruments as well as low maintenance cooling and refrigeration systems for commercial and residential use.