An isothermal model of a hybrid Stirling/reverse-Brayton cryocooler

Abstract This paper presents a model of a cryogenic refrigerator that integrates a reverse-Brayton lower temperature stage with a 2-piston Stirling upper temperature stage using a rectification system of check valves and buffer volumes. The numerical model extends the isothermal Schmidt analysis of the Stirling cycle by deriving the additional dimensionless governing equations that characterize the recuperative system. Numerical errors are quantified and the results are verified against analytical solutions in the appropriate limits. The model is used to explore the effect of the rectification system’s characteristics on the overall cycle’s behavior. Finally, the model is used to optimize the hybrid system’s design by varying the swept volume ratio and phase angle in order to maximize the refrigeration per unit of heat transfer in the recuperator and regenerator.