Continuous-Flow Joule-Thomson Cryocoolers for Distributed Heat Loads

Future space applications will require low capacity mechanical cryocoolers for distributed cooling of small arrays of infrared detectors, high-temperature superconducting electronics, or payload thermal management. Creare proposes to develop an innovative Joule-Thomson (JT) cryocooler that utilizes a new type of continuous flow compressor to provide cooling at multiple miniature cold heads. The heat transport to each cooling site is accomplished at ambient temperature allowing large separation distances between cryocooler components and cooling sites with minimal performance impact. The compressor uses non-contacting, gas-lubricated bearings and is a derivative of TRL 9 technology that has demonstrated high efficiency and reliability. The proposed approach eliminates limitations on life and reliability normally associated with JT cryocoolers. During the Phase I project, we propose to perform system modeling and proof-of-concept tests with the compressor to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. During Phase II, we will build and test a complete JT cryocooler at cryogenic temperatures.