Long-Life, Low-Vibration, Rotary Stirling Cryocooler

Development is proposed of a new, rotary form of Stirling cryocooler which offers longer operating life and much lower vibration than reciprocating forms of cryocoolers. The proposed machine has fewer moving parts to wear and can be completely balanced to eliminate vibration in all planes by simple counterweights on the shaft, which is not possible in reciprocating machines. The rotary design not only alleviates drive loads, vibration, and wear, but the inherently elongated compression spaces and limited compression ratio are very well suited to the heat transfers and thermodynamics of a Stirling-cycle machine. The rotary configuration permits an exceptionally compact, smooth-running, high-efficiency system. The design could readily be adapted to different temperatures and capacities for specific cryogenic applications or for more utilitrian commercial and domestic freon-free refrigeration needs. Also, the technology would be applicable to the development of external-heat-powered rotary Stirling engines for quiet, low pollution, multifuel, waste heat, cogeneration, and solar power applications.