New Mid-Size High Efficiency Pulse Tube Coolers

TRW has developed, tested, and delivered a mid-capacity pair of 60 Kelvin and 35 Kelvin pulse tube cryocoolers for space applications. These coolers are the highest efficiency pulse tube coolers yet reported with efficiency exceeding common Stirling cycles. The coolers are a mechanically integral configuration designed for 2W at 60K and 300 mW at 35K. At the operating points the input power to the compressor is 76 W and 82 W respectively with a 300K sink temperature. The coolers are mechanically balanced using two head-to-head Oxford style flexure compressors in a common, hermetically sealed housing.