Advances in Pulse Tube Cooler with Dual-opposed Ambient Temperature Displacers

Abstract

Abstract The pulse tube cooler offers several advantages, such as low vibration, high reliability, and no moving parts at the cold end. However, its efficiency is hindered by the limited phase modulation capability and acoustic power dissipation in the phase shifter. In response to this, Lihan Cryogenics has developed a Stirling pulse tube cooler employing ambient displacers. This innovative cooler comprises a moving magnet compressor with dual-opposed pistons and a co-axial cold finger. By utilizing ambient displacers, the cooler can recover expansion work and enhance cooling efficiency. This article highlights recent advancements in this type of cooler. To simplify manufacturing and increase reliability, the displacers now adopt a rod structure, reducing the requirement for supporting spring stiffness. Additionally, the cooler incorporates dual-opposed room temperature displacers, positioned orthogonally to the compressor piston axis (referred to as “OrthoCoolTM”). This arrangement results in low vibration, reduced flow resistance, and eased assembly and production challenges. Experimental tests demonstrate that compared to the cooler employing inertance tube phase modulation, the new ambient displacer structure effectively enhance system efficiency, achieving a cooling capacity of 100W at 77K with 1455W input electric power. The corresponding relative Carnot efficiency is 20%.