A high pressure ratio DC compressor is a critical component for many cryocooler cycles. Prior research has focused on the adaptation of commercial compressor technology (scroll, screw, linear with rectification valves, and regenerative) for use in cryogenic applications where long-life and oil-free (i.e., volatile contamination free) are unique requirements. In addition, many cryocooler applications are for cooling imaging instruments making low vibration an additional requirement. Another candidate compressor technology has emerged from the fuel cell industry. Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) are used in fuel cells to separate reactants and transport protons, and these capabilities may be used in cryocoolers to compress hydrogen from low to high pressure. A particular type of PEM utilizing an anhydrous membrane forms the basis of a solid-state cryocooler. Creare has been investigating the use of PEM compressors for low temperature Joule-Thomson and dilution cryocoolers. These cryocoolers have no moving parts, can operate at temperatures down to nominally 23 K, produce no vibration, and are low cost. Our work on the cycle optimization, cryocooler design, and development and demonstration of the compressor technology is the subject of this paper.

Date Published: 17 May 2016
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 9821, Tri-Technology Device Refrigeration (TTDR), 98210O (17 May 2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2224731

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9821:
Tri-Technology Device Refrigeration (TTDR)
Richard I. Epstein; Bjørn F. Andresen; Markus P. Hehlen; Ingo N. Rühlich; Mansoor Sheik-Bahae; Thomas Fraser, Editor(s)