SBIR/STTR
Cryocooler With Cold Compressor for Deep Space Applications, Phase II
Project Introduction
The innovation is a high-frequency single-stage pulse tube cryocooler (PTC) that operates at a heat rejection temperature of 150 K. It employs a flexure-bearing cold compressor operating at that same heat rejection temperature. High frequency, low temperature pulse-tube cryocoolers are a promising technology for future NASA missions. Such missions will require cryocoolers providing cooling capacities in excess of 0.3 W at 35 K with heat rejection capability to temperature sinks as low as 150 K at input powers up to 20 W. Presently there are no cooling systems operating at this heat rejection temperature.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: NASA applications include missions to remote locations and orbits where there is a low level of solar input. Low intensity sunlight affords the benefit of a lower rejection temperature and improved cryocooler performance, for the same cold end temperature, and permits a decrease in system size and power draw. Only a third the power draw is predicted for the 35-K cold end case. Serendipitously, this agrees well with the drop in power generation due to dim solar light on remote missions. Taken together, the effects favor employing smaller cryocooler systems specifically designed for reduced rejection temperatures and system envelopes.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| Madison CryoGroup, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Middleton, WI |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
-
Wisconsin
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- James Maddocks
Project Duration
Start: Apr 2014
End: Jul 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.1 Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.1.6 Cryogenic / Thermal
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