Cryocooler Interface System

For most cryogenically cooled systems, it is necessary to locate the cryocooler in close proximity to the cooled assemblies. This places highly demanding requirements on the cryocooler, its integration into the spacecraft, and subjects the cooled assembly to unwanted disturbances. Since the spacecraft radiator is usually remote from the cooled assemblies, a heavy conductive strap or heat pipe is required to transfer cryocooler heat dissipation, which added weight and decreases the cryocooler efficiency and reliability.Technology Applications, Inc. has defined a unique cryocooler interface system in which the cryocooler is located remote from the cooled elements. This Interface System greatly simplifies the cooling system integration and virtually eliminates all cryocooler disturbances. It also provides contract temperature cooling under variable loads, cooling large area and/or distributed elements, will accommodate cooling across a gimbal axis, is insensitive to gravity level, offers ease of redundancy, and interfaces with most types of cryocoolers.The Interface System requirements and their flowdown to the component level will be established. A preliminary design will be generated and optimized through system level parametric and detailed component analyses. The concept feasibility will then be demonstrated by testing of a brad-board model.