Innovative Linear Reciprocating Motor Technology for Advanced Cryocooler Systems

This proposal is for the development of innovative lineary motor technology for application to a range of cryocooler systems of interest to DOD, including Stirling cycle, pulse-tube, and Joule- Thomson coolers. Teh VULCAN linear motor concept principle has been proven in hardware applications involving Stirling cycle refrigerators and electrical generators. The VULCAN linear motor offers significant advantages over the moving coil and other types commonly used in cryocoolers. Among these are: (1) higher conversion efficiency; (2) very low EMI; (3) total eliminatio of contaminant out-gassign materials from the working fluid; (4) high specific power; (5) compact size; (6) removal of heat generating components from the working fluid; (7) elimination of flexing electrical contact and pressure vesse. feed-throughs. The proposed effort will consider a rangeof cryocooler applications of interest to DOD, and identify a target for which the VULCAN motor concept can offer the greatest benefit over other technologies. The Phase I includes the design and performance analysis of two versions of the VULCAN motor for the targeted application, a Fundamental and and Advanced Features unit. Prototypes fo these two designs will then be built, tested and evaluated in Phase II.