Small Scale Cryogenic Refrigeration Technology

Virtual AeroSurface Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Raytheon Company, proposes an SBIR program for the development of a MEMS fabricated microcompressor suitable for use with microcryocooler systems. The proposed microcompressor will be designed to provide 10 W of compressor power from an approximately 1 cm3 compressor package. In the Phase I program, two candidate concepts will be analyzed as means of provide positive displacement compression (particularly suitable for direct application to cooler systems with reciprocating thermal cycles, such as a Stirling cycle or pulse tube). The first concept will miniaturize a moving-magnet linear actuator, and the second will utilize a piezoelectric vibrating membrane. Both of these designs will be intended to eliminate frictional wear and surface-to-surface contact which would contaminate the micro-scale system and lead to catastrophic reductions in compressor effectiveness. Significant modeling and design of the two concepts will be performed and initial component prototyping will be performed with the superior design (based upon effectiveness, efficiency, and manufacturability) downselected at the end of Phase I for full prototyping and experimental characterization as part of a prospective Phase II program.