An Efficient 35 K Cryocooler Driven by Electrochemical Compressors

Next-generation missile defense systems will utilize infrared sensing technologies that will require efficient cooling at low temperatures. We propose to develop an innovative solid-state cryocooler that can provide cooling at temperatures below 35 K while rejecting heat at temperatures up to about 300 K. The cooler uses compact, efficient electrochemical compressors with no moving parts to enhance the system reliability and eliminate payload jitter. The cooler also uses a novel thermodynamic cycle to enable the system to reject heat at temperatures above 300 K. The proposed system will be capable of providing 2 W of refrigeration at 35 K and can be easily scaled to provide much lower or much higher cooling power. The unique characteristics of the cryocooler permit distributed cooling at multiple sites with very high thermodynamic efficiency, resulting in low input power and reduced mass. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the feasibility of the solid-state compressor, design the Phase II system, and predict detailed cryocooler performance data by analysis. In Phase II, we will design, build, and demonstrate a vibration-free, compact cryocooler system.