REGENERATIVE HEAT EXCHANGERS FOR CRYOCOOLERS

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS TO FABRICATE AND MEASURE THE PERFORMANCE OF TWO NOVEL DESIGNS FOR REGENERATIVE HEAT EXCHANGERS APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS TYPES OF CRYOCOOLERS, SUCH AS STIRLING AND GIFFORD MCMAHON REFRIGERATORS. THE REGENERATORS PRESENTLY USED ARE LIMITED TO TWO TYPES, AND BASICALLY TWO MATERIALS, DUE TO FABRICATION CONSTRAINTS. THEY ARE RATHER COSTLY, LABOR INTENSIVE, SUBJECT TO QUALITY CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND LIMITED IN PERFORMANCE. THE DESIGNS ENVISIONED HERE WOULD OFFER IMPROVEMENT IN ALL OF THESE AREAS. THE PROJECT WILL IDENTIFY SUITABLE MATERIALS, DETERMINE PROPER DIMENSIONAL PARAMETERS, AND MEASURE CERTAIN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AS NEEDED. REGENERATORS WILL BE FABRICATED AND TESTED IN CRYOCOOLERS TO COMPARE PERFORMANCE WITH CONVENTIONAL DESIGNS.