Advanced 10 Kelvin Cryogenic Cooling Component Technology

The goal of this project is to demonstrate a recuperator with extremely high effectiveness for use in a reverse turbo-Brayton (RTB) cryocooler. The recuperator will offer substantial system weight reduction, volume reduction, and performance increases for a cryocooler that can be used for Block 12 as well as any other space-based cryocooling needs. Advanced micro-manufacturing technology is needed to fabricate the required micro channel features that make it possible to achieve the performance requirements for a RTB cryocooler in a light weight package. In addition to design, fabrication, and demonstration of the recuperator, this program will also lead to substantial micro-manufacturing process improvements that can be used to form advanced regenerators, nano-sensors, micro-fluidic networks, and optical devices. The primary reason a RTB cyocooler is not contemplated for use in future STSS blocks is its relatively high mass. The present recuperators, although considered state-of-the-art, are the primary reason why the mass is high relative to Stirling cycle variants. The proposed project would result in mass reduction of the recuperator over 75% with even higher thermal performance. Mezzo’s recuperator technology would reduce total cryocooler mass by approximately 23% and input power by 16% for a reverse Brayton refrigeration system supporting an STSS mission.