60 Degree Kelvin Phase Change Material Device

Stirling Cycle coolers induce some vibrations into the sensor systems that they are attached to. Because of this, there may be time periods for which the system performance can be enhanced, if the coolers are shut down. One method of allowing for system shut down is to provide an alternate passive cooling source for the sensors. SAI proposed to develop a closed system Phase Change Material Device (PCMD). This device will provide 750 Joules of cooling at 60 Degrees Kelvin for one half hour. Once developed, by varying the fill pressure, the Phase Change Temperature (operating temperature) can be varied over a small range. Additionally, other operating ranges (i.e., 10 to 20 K and 40 to 80 K) can be provided by changing the working fluid. This device can be utlized in either ground and/or space applications.