Superfluid thermodynamic cycle refrigerator
This invention is comprised of a cryogenic refrigerator which cools a heat source by cyclically concentrating and diluting the amount of {sup 3}He in a single phase {sup 3}He/{sup 4}He solution. The {sup 3}He in superfluid {sup 4}He acts in a manner of an ideal gas in a vacuum. Thus, refrigeration is obtained using any conventional thermal cycle, but preferably a Stirling or Carnot cycle. A single phase solution of liquid {sup 3}He at an initial concentration in superfluid {sup 4}He is contained in a first variable volume connected to a second variable volume through a superleak device that enables free passage of {sup 4}He while restricting passage of {sup 3}He. The {sup 3}He is compressed (concentrated) and expanded (diluted) in a phased manner to carry out the selected thermal cycle to remove heat from the heat load for cooling below 1 K.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Patent Number(s):
- PATENTS-US-A7679498
- Application Number:
- ON: DE93008222
- OSTI ID:
- 10133946
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 2 Apr 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Superfluid thermodynamic cycle refrigerator
Superfluid thermodynamic cycle refrigerator