Extended range of the Lockheed Martin Mini cryocooler. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frank, D.; Sanders, L.; Nason, I.; Mistry, V.; Guzinski, M.; Roth, E.; Olson, J.R.
• Is Part Of: Cryogenics. Volume 88(2017)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Low temperature engineering -- Periodicals; Low temperature research -- Periodicals; 536.56
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cryogenics.2017.10.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0011-2275

Abstract

Highlights: Design based on unit originally developed for NASA and higher capacity unit for ESA. The unit is in a split configuration with the cold head separated from the compressor. Cold head arranged in U shape with inertance coil in plenum on warm flange. This unit provides a compact system for many actively cooled instruments. Abstract: This paper describes the expanded performance range of the Lockheed Martin Mini cryocooler thermal mechanical unit (TMU). The design is based on the standard unit originally developed for NASA and a higher capacity developed for ESA. These higher capacity Mini units are in a split configuration with the cold head separated from the compressor. The TMU provides cooling over a wide range of temperatures with a weight of 1.9 kg including the 1.4 kg compressor and the 0.45 kg cold head. The unit provides for 3.5 W cooling at 105 K and approximately 7 W cooling at 150 K for 293 K reject temperature with 60 W of input power.