Gas Compression, Heat Regeneration And Expansion, E.g., Stirling Cycle Patents (Class 62/6)
  • Patent number: 8640467
    Abstract: An acoustic power transmitting unit for thermoacoustic systems includes at least one stage provided with at least two thermoacoustic units each of which includes a regenerator or a stack and two heat exchangers, an acoustic resonator including a tube and containing a fluid and in which a magnetic field having high impedance and low-impedance areas is arranged, wherein certain thermoacoustic units are placed in high dimensionless impedance areas. Each high dimensionless impedance area also includes a thermoacoustic unit, wherein two successive thermoacoustic units are always separated by low dimensionless impedance. The resonator includes a reduced diameter section between each couple of successive thermoacoustic units and each cross-sectional narrowing is associated with at least one by-pass which includes a deviation cavity and makes it possible to deviate the major part of a volume flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Emmanuel Bretagne, Maurice-Xavier Francois
  • Patent number: 8640468
    Abstract: Embodiments of a pressurized gas supply are provided. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas supply includes a pressurized gas reservoir and a pressure reducer fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir. The pressure reducer is configured to reduce the pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas reservoir to a predetermined output pressure (PO). A gas mixture is held within the pressurized gas reservoir at a starting pressure (PS) and at a starting temperature (TS). The gas mixture includes: (i) a warming gas having a positive Joule-Thomson (JT) coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO, and (ii) a cooling gas having a negative JT coefficient at TS and over the pressure range PS-PO. The cooling of the cooling gas at least partially offsets the warming of the warming gas when the gas mixture is expelled by the isothermal gas supply to achieve a desired gas output temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Peter C. Lukens
  • Publication number: 20140026596
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a cylinder, a displacer accommodated in the cylinder so as to reciprocate inside the cylinder with a gap formed between the periphery of the displacer and the interior surface of the cylinder, and a depressed part formed on at least one of the periphery of the displacer and the interior surface of the cylinder. The ratio of the volume of the depressed part to the volume of the gap satisfies a condition of 8?Vd/Vg?75, where Vd is the volume of the depressed part and Vg is the volume of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Takaaki MORIE, Mingyao Xu
  • Patent number: 8639388
    Abstract: A vibration control system includes a mechanical system which generates vibration; a sensor configured to measure the vibration and generate a vibration signal thereof, and a processor configured: (a) receive a vibration signal from a sensor in a mechanical system; (b) model the vibration signal using a time-domain function; (c) adjust one of an amplitude coefficient and a phase coefficient of the modeled vibration signal; (d) output a control signal corresponding to the modeled vibration signal to the mechanical system so as to reduce the vibration; and (e) receive another vibration signal from the sensor. Steps (c)-(e) are repeated when the average value of the vibration signal is greater than a predetermined value. A method for vibration control is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Hon, John F. Silny
  • Publication number: 20140020407
    Abstract: A disclosed regenerative refrigerator including a regenerator filled with a regenerative material for accumulating cooling of a refrigerant gas, wherein the regenerator is divided into a central region and a peripheral region on a cross-sectional face of the regenerator, and a specific heat of the central region is larger than a specific heat of the peripheral region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Mingyao XU
  • Publication number: 20140020408
    Abstract: LNG, for use as a motor vehicle fuel, is stored in a manner that does not require massive tanks, eliminates evaporative loss and reduces refrigeration energy consumption. A Stirling cryocooler extends through a wall of a highly insulated, relatively low pressure container to its cold end located in the vapor phase above the liquid surface. The pressure or temperature of the LNG is sensed and applied to a feedback control that modulates the heat transfer rate of the Stirling cryocooler so that LNG vapor is liquefied at a rate to maintain a desired pressure and temperature within the container. Maintaining a superatmospheric pressure in the container reduces the energy consumption required for re-liquefaction of the LNG vapor. The apparatus is also usable for liquefaction of natural gas for refueling vehicles from the ubiquitous consumer level domestic gas distribution system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: David M. Berchowitz
  • Publication number: 20140020409
    Abstract: A cryocooler, includes a cylinder filled with gas. A piston rectilinearly reciprocates inside of the cylinder and compresses or expands the gas. A connecting rod has a first side coupled to the piston and moves with the piston, and a second side having a first thread along an outer circumference thereof. A linear motor rectilinearly reciprocates a motor shaft toward the connecting rod in accordance with a control signal. A sleeve has two open sides, so that an end portion of the motor shaft can be supported by and inserted in one open side, and the second side of the connecting rod can be inserted in the other open side, and an inner circumference of the sleeve is formed with a second thread that engages with the first thread of the connecting rod and rotates to adjust a distance between the motor shaft and the connecting rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: JuHun RHEE, Kyung-Hwan Lee, Bum-Seok Hyun, Eunsup Sim
  • Publication number: 20140013776
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for a compressor hub assembly configured for use with a dual piston compressor is provided and includes a cylindrically shaped body having a centrally located inner wall and defining cylinder sealing surface for receiving and maintaining at least one compressor pump; a plurality of bores integrated within the body, the bores defining at least one fill port, a fluid inlet port, an output port, at least two compression bores, an off-center cross-bore interconnected with the one of the at least two compression bores, and at least one reservoir passages; at least one check-valve assembly disposed in the output port, the check valve assembly including a check valve, a valve seal and a valve retainer, wherein the use of the check valve assembly and the plurality of bores produces a continuous DC flow output when fluid is flowed through the compressor pump and into the hub assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick CHAMPAGNE, Jeffrey R. OLSON
  • Publication number: 20140013775
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cryogenic regenerator includes the steps of supplying helium gas to a helium gas sealing tube having a front end portion and a rear end portion that are open; sealing the rear end portion of the helium gas sealing tube; cooling the helium gas sealing tube and filling the helium gas into the cooled helium gas sealing tube from a helium gas supplying unit; and sealing the front end portion of the helium gas sealing tube after the helium gas sealing tube is filled with the helium gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuo KOIZUMI
  • Patent number: 8621876
    Abstract: Provided for an embodiment is a support member for a cryogenic cooler's expander. The support member provides stiffness to the expander to reduce movements at the expander's distal end and may increase the natural frequency of the expander. The support member may increase the natural frequency of the expander at least about two times in the bending and/or twisting sense. The bending natural frequency of the expander and support sub-assembly may be at least about two times greater or lower than the natural frequency of the electrical wires that connect an infrared sensor to a control processing unit to reduce the maximum stress applied to the electrical wires during use. In another embodiment, additional or redundant electrical pathways are provided for connections between the infrared sensor and the CPU. Furthermore, shock absorber and/or shock diverters are provided on rigid pins that connect the electrical wires to the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Bin-Nun, Jose P. Sanchez, Xiaoyan Lei
  • Publication number: 20130327065
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a displacer having a flow channel that supplies a refrigerant gas to a regenerator; and a cylinder that accommodates the displacer so as to be movable in an axial direction, has a heat diffusion portion at a high-temperature end portion thereof, and forms a space portion together with a high-temperature end of the displacer. A clearance is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the displacer and an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. The flow channel is made to open to the outer peripheral surface of the displacer, and the refrigerant gas within the room-temperature chamber flows into the regenerator through the clearance and the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Mingyao Xu, Takaaki Morie
  • Publication number: 20130312428
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a refrigerator and a thermal load application unit applying a thermal load to the refrigerator. A detector detects, when the thermal load is applied to the refrigerator by the thermal load application unit, a change in a physical quantity generated in the refrigerator or a refrigerator-mounting portion where the refrigerator is mounted. A determiner determines a maintenance timing of the refrigerator based on the change in the physical quantity detected by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki IKUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20130312427
    Abstract: An air compression system and method for an air separation plant in which air is compressed in a series of compression stages and a temperature swing adsorption unit adsorbs water vapor and carbon dioxide. The temperature swing adsorption unit is situated at a location of the compression stages such that air pressure upon entry into the adsorbent beds is between about 400 psia and about 600 psia. Each of the adsorbent beds of the unit have a minimum transverse cross-sectional flow area that will set the air velocity of the air to a level below that at which adsorbent bed fluidization would occur. Such operation allows fabrication costs of the adsorbent beds to be reduced because less adsorbent and smaller adsorbent beds are required while power consumption will be at a minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Mohamed Hashi, Michael C. Johnson, John Royal
  • Publication number: 20130312429
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising at least one transducer comprising a displacement component that is configured to move upon application of an electrical signal; a cavity in communication with the at least one transducer; and at least one thermodynamic member within the cavity configured to readily exchange heat with a cavity gas or fluid, wherein the transducer is configured to generate a standing wave within the cavity to transfer heat along the thermodynamic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Noki Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Greuet, Lars Cieslak
  • Patent number: 8590319
    Abstract: A multi-stage pulse tube refrigerator includes a first stage regenerator tube including a heat exchanger; a second stage regenerator tube; a first stage pulse tube; a second stage pulse tube; a first cooling stage connected to the first stage regenerator tube and the first stage pulse tube; and a second cooling stage connected to the second stage regenerator tube and the second stage pulse tube. A cold end of the first stage regenerator tube is connected to the first stage pulse tube via a first flow path and connected to the second stage regenerator tube via a second flow path. The first flow path is configured such that a heat exchange occurs between the heat exchanger and a refrigerant gas flowing through the first flow path, and the second flow path is configured such that the refrigerant gas flowing through the second flow path bypasses the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mingyao Xu
  • Patent number: 8590318
    Abstract: A pulse-tube refrigerating machine includes: a compressor that pressurizes a refrigerant gas; a regenerator tube accommodating a regenerator material therein; a pulse-tube having of a hollow cylinder through which the refrigerant gas flows; an intake valve and an exhaust valve provided between the compressor and the regenerator tube. A heat-shielding material is provided to at least a portion of at least one of a first wall forming a portion of the pulse-tube and a second wall contacting a portion of the pulse-tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motokazu Saito, Mingyao Xu
  • Patent number: 8590302
    Abstract: A method and arrangement are for heat exchanging in and work exchanging with a working fluid in a heat engine, or a heat pump if the method and its sub-processes are substantially reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Viking Heat Engines AS
    Inventor: Harald Risla Nes
  • Publication number: 20130305744
    Abstract: A fuel gas delivery system is provided. The fuel gas delivery system includes a feed line configured to provide a natural gas stream and a cryocooler fluidly coupled to the feed line. The cryocooler is configured to condense the natural gas to provide a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and to freeze impurities contained in the natural gas stream. The frozen impurities are separated from said LNG stream. A first heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the cryocooler and the first heat exchanger is configured to vaporize at least a portion of the LNG stream to provide compressed natural gas. A delivery line is configured to supply the compressed natural gas to an end user and a removal line is configured to remove the impurities from the fuel gas delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Anna Lis Laursen, Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Ernst Wolfgang Stautner, Jalal Hunain Zia, Chiranjeev Kalra, John Brian McDermott, Tao Zhang, Guillaume Becquin
  • Patent number: 8584471
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic apparatus includes multiple thermoacoustic device stages, such as individual thermoacoustic refrigerators, connected in a looped series such that excess acoustic energy from a first stage forms a part of the input energy to the next successive stage. Each stage includes an acoustic source, a regenerator, and a plurality of heat exchangers. The stages are interconnected by transmission lines. The dimensions of the transmission lines, materials used, and the operating parameters are selected so that that excess acoustic power is communicated to a succeeding stage with a pressure phase at the back of an acoustic source of the succeeding stage such that the electric power required by the acoustic source of the succeeding stage is minimized for a given acoustic power produced by the second stage. Improved operating efficiency of the thermoacoustic apparatus is thereby provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research
    Inventors: David Eric Schwartz, Sean Garner
  • Patent number: 8584472
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Prashant Bhat, Ryan LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Otis L. Clapp
  • Publication number: 20130296171
    Abstract: A super conductor is disclosed, in particular a high temperature super conductor of a synchronous machine, including a cooling circuit for a coolant. The liquefied coolant in the cold head provided with a condenser is guided to the super conductor which is to be cooled, in particular in the rotor of the synchronous machine and is returned to the condenser in a gaseous form. In order to guide the coolant from the condenser to the super conductor, pressure generated by a component of the coolant evaporated by a heat source is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Frank, Peter Kummeth, Wolfgang Nick, Heinz Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130291565
    Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerator includes a first pulse tube; a first regenerator connected to the first pulse tube; a compressor configured to compress the coolant gas; a first supply side valve; a first filter provided between a supply side of the first supply side valve and the high temperature end of the first regenerator; a first suction side valve connected to the first filter via a first joint point; a first self seal joint provided between the supply side of the compressor and a suction side of the first supply side valve; a second self seal joint provided between a supply side of the first suction side valve and the suction side of the compressor; and a third self seal joint provided between a first regenerator side of the first filter and the high temperature end of the first regenerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Mingyao XU
  • Publication number: 20130291566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pulse tube refrigerator with an automatic gas flow and phase regulating device, comprising a helium compressor (1), an air distribution valve (11), a drive controller (9), a drive lead (10), a temperature sensor, a temperature measuring lead (8), a heat regenerator, a first-stage pulse tube (5), a second-stage pulse tube (6), a first-stage air reservoir (14) and a second-stage air reservoir (15), wherein said air distribution valve (11) comprises eight independent valves of a first valve (21), a second valve (22), a third valve (23), a fourth valve (24), a fifth valve (25), a sixth valve (26), a seventh valve (27) and an eighth valve (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: NANJING COOLTECH CRYOGENIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinlin Gao, Ao Li, Wenqing Dong, Wei Chao, Jie Chen
  • Publication number: 20130285663
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a refrigerator having a cylinder and a displacer movably arranged in the cylinder. The displacer is operative to provide intake of an operating gas into the cylinder and exhaust of the gas out of the cylinder. The refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing the operating gas. The compressor includes a low-pressure side to receive the gas exhausted from the cylinder and a high-pressure side to discharge the gas compressed in the compressor into the cylinder. The refrigerator includes a medium-pressure buffer volume connected to a high-pressure side or a low-pressure side of the compressor. The compressor adjusts a pressure of the buffer volume. The buffer volume is also connected to the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Zui Ri, Pengda Yan
  • Publication number: 20130283823
    Abstract: A cryocooler may comprise a first stage, a second stage and a phase control device. The first stage may define a first volume. The second stage may define a second volume. The phase control device may be positioned between the first stage and the second stage to receive a flow of working fluid between the first stage and the second stage. The phase control device may comprise a flange and a plunger. The flange may be positioned along a longitudinal axis parallel a direction of the working fluid flow. The plunger may be translatable along the longitudinal axis at least partially within the flange. The plunger and the flange may be sized such that the plunger and the flange define a gap there between and a dimension of the gap is determined by a position of the plunger along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Sidney W. K. Yuan, Jee S. Cha
  • Publication number: 20130286591
    Abstract: A system for cooling components of a power generation system. The system may include a working fluid, 100% of which may be sent to a heat exchanger for cooling the components. During cooling, the working fluid may be retained in liquid form. All of the working fluid exiting the heat exchanger may be introduced to an evaporator which may transform the working fluid to a gas for use by an expander or other device to create motive power to run a generator. Upon exiting the expander, the gas may be condensed back to liquid form, 100% of which may be sent back to the heat exchanger to cool the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Myers, David Huber
  • Publication number: 20130263607
    Abstract: A regenerative refrigerator includes an expander which includes a regenerator including a regenerative material and an expansion space for expanding a refrigerant gas flowing in the regenerator, the regenerator being configured such that a temperature profile at a predetermined temperature range in the regenerator is selectively higher than a case when lead is used as the regenerative material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: MINGYAO XU
  • Publication number: 20130255283
    Abstract: An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBAL COOLING, INC.
    Inventor: David M. Berchowitz
  • Patent number: 8544281
    Abstract: A method for cooling a superconducting magnet enclosed in a cryostat includes introducing a gas into a cooling path in the cryostat from an input portion into a cooling path cooled by a refrigerator outside the cryostat. A heat exchanger inside the cryostat above the magnet cools the gas. The cooled gas flows through a magnet cooling tube contacting the magnet. The cooled gas removes heat from the magnet, and to the heat exchanger to re-cool and return to the superconducting magnet, thereby cooling and/or maintaining the magnet at a superconducting temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tao Zhang, Xianrui Huang, Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Yan Zhao, Paul St. Mark Shadforth Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130247592
    Abstract: A regenerative refrigerator includes a regenerator disposed in a flow passage of working gas generating a cold thermal mass, the regenerator being loaded with a regenerative material to accumulate cold thermal energy from the cold thermal mass in the working gas, wherein the regenerative material is a sintered body made of a fiber material, and a diameter of the fiber material disposed at a low-temperature end of the regenerator is smaller than a diameter of the fiber material disposed at a high-temperature end of the regenerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu HIRATSUKA, Kyosuke Nakano
  • Publication number: 20130247593
    Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerator includes a compressor, a pulse tube including an internal space, a regenerator loaded with a regenerative material for exchanging heat with working gas, a buffer including an internal space with a predetermined capacity, a flow passage to connect an end of the pulse tube and the buffer, a temperature detecting section to detect temperature of the working gas, a flow adjusting section to adjust an amount of flow of the working gas flowing through the flow passage, and a controlling section to control the flow adjusting section in response to the temperature of the working gas detected at the temperature detecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu HIRATSUKA, Kyosuke NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20130219923
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder, a first displacer and a second displacer configured to reciprocate inside the first cylinder and the second cylinder, respectively, an intake and outlet system configured to alternately perform a first operation of supplying gas to the first cylinder and discharging the gas from the second cylinder and a second operation of discharging the gas from the first cylinder and supplying the gas to the second cylinder, a communication path configured to communicate the first cylinder with the second cylinder, and an opening and closing part configured to open and close the communication path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
  • Patent number: 8516833
    Abstract: A 4-valve pulse tube cryocooler has, on a high-pressure end of a compressor, first and second coolant supply channels respectively connected to high-temperature ends of a regenerator and a pulse tube. The cryocooler further has, on a low-pressure end of the compressor, a first coolant recovery channel connected to the high-temperature end of the regenerator, a second coolant recovery channel connected to the high-temperature end of the pulse tube, and a third coolant recovery channel connected to the high-temperature end of the pulse tube via a common pipe and including a flow resistance member interposed between a flow control valve and the high-temperature end of the pulse tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mingyao Xu, Hirokazu Takayama, Kyosuke Nakano
  • Patent number: 8511100
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for cooling superconducting devices. The system includes a cryogen cooling system configured to be coupled to the superconducting device and to supply cryogen to the device. The system also includes a cryogen storage system configured to supply cryogen to the device. The system further includes flow control valving configured to selectively isolate the cryogen cooling system from the device, thereby directing a flow of cryogen to the device from the cryogen storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, John Arthur Urbahn, Albert Eugene Steinbach
  • Patent number: 8508057
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power generator for generating electricity comprising a high pressure core having an interior chamber. The interior chamber is filled with a volume of one or more pressurized inert gases. A microwave frequency generator is provided for resonating the gas at a high radio frequency typically 2.4 GHz or higher, and means for securing and emitting the frequency generator into the core are provided. In addition, electrical conductors are positioned in the core to effectuate the production of electricity through lightening, arc, flame, and high heat. The conductors extend through the core to conduct the flow of electricity away from the core. A coolant such as water may be circulated around the outside surface of the core to dissipate heat from the core, the coolant can then be converted to steam to power a turbine to provide a second method through which the invention generates electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Schulte
  • Publication number: 20130203603
    Abstract: A cryocooler system and a superconducting magnet apparatus having the cryocooler system include a cryocooler having a cool stage that cools a heat shielding unit and a thermal inertia that thermally contacts the cool stage of the cryocooler and has a high heat capacity. The cryocooler system reduces a temperature-increasing rate in a current lead by using the thermal inertia member when the temperature in the current lead is increased due to heat generated when an electrical current applied to a superconducting coil is ramped-up or ramped-down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8499568
    Abstract: Pulse tube refrigerator including pulse tube, regenerator, compressor, supply side valve, a filter at a first joint point, suction side valve, four self seal joints, and an orifice connected to a pipe between a second joint point and the high temperature end of the first pulse tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Xu Mingyao
  • Publication number: 20130192273
    Abstract: A system and a method for liquefaction of gases which are utilized in their liquid state as refrigerants in applications that require low temperatures, throughout various pressure ranges, from slightly above atmospheric pressures to pressures near the critical point. The system and method are based on closed-cycle cryocoolers and utilize the thermodynamic properties of the gas to achieve optimal liquefaction rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC), GWR INSTRUMENTS, INC., UNIVERSIDAD DE ZARAGOZA
    Inventors: Conrado RILLO MILLÁN, Leticia TOCADO MARTÍNEZ, Richard C. REINEMAN, Richard J. WARBURTON
  • Publication number: 20130186109
    Abstract: A counter flow heat exchanger comprising a body formed of stacked, fused, ceramic sheets. The sheets comprising: a bottom sheet, a second sheet, a third sheet, a fourth sheet and a top sheet. The sheets have punched holes such that when the sheets are aligned there is an inlet hole spanning from the top sheet to the fourth sheet, an outlet hole spanning from the top sheet to the second sheet, and an inflow hole spanning from the fourth sheet to the second sheet. Within the second sheet, a low pressure flow channel connects the outlet hole with the inflow hole. Within the fourth sheet, the inlet hole flows into a high pressure flow channel which flows into a narrow flow path which then empties into the inflow hole. The high pressure flow channel is aligned with the low pressure flow channel to allow for heat exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY
    Inventors: Milind Diwakar Atrey, Prasanna Subhash Gandhi, Girish Jayant Phatak
  • Patent number: 8490414
    Abstract: A thermal-cycle cryocooler, such as a Stirling-cycle cryocooler, has a single working volume that is utilized by both the compressor and the displacer. The compressor and the displacer have respective movable parts, one of which is surrounded by the other. One of the parts may be a piston, a portion of which moves within a central bore or opening in a cylinder that is the other movable part. The piston may be a component of the compressor and the cylinder may be a component of the displacer, or vice versa. The working volume is located in part in a bore of the cylinder, between the piston and a regenerator that is coupled to the cylinder. Movements of either the piston or the cylinder can directly (i.e. without the use of a gas transfer line or flow passage) cause compression or expansion of the working gas in the working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Hon, Lowell A. Bellis, Cyndi H. Yoneshige, Carl S. Kirkconnell, Michael C. Barr
  • Patent number: 8491281
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a compressor includes a motor assembly configured to compress a gas within a compression volume, the motor assembly including: a stationary coil assembly; a moving assembly having at least one magnet, and a gap located between the stationary coil assembly and the moving assembly; wherein the moving assembly is configured to reciprocate axially with respect to the stationary coil assembly when electrical current is applied to the stationary coil assembly, and to change the width of the gap between the stationary coil assembly and the moving assembly so as to provide magnetic axial stiffness against motion of the moving assembly. One or more embodiments may be used in a cryocooler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert C Hon, Lowell A Bellis, Julian A Shrago, Carl S. Kirkconnell
  • Patent number: 8484966
    Abstract: A system for generating power from a low grade heat source includes a heat source inlet, heat sink inlet, heat exchanger unit, and a heat engine. The heat source inlet conveys a flow of a heated fluid into the system. The heat sink inlet conveys a flow of a cooled fluid into the system. The heat exchanger unit is configured to rotate. A portion of the heat exchanger unit alternates between thermal contact with the heated fluid and thermal contact with the cooled fluid in response to being rotated. The heat engine is configured to generate power in response to the heat exchanger unit being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Eric K. Rasmussen, Jidong Yang, Hobart Cox
  • Publication number: 20130174582
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a displacer including a body part and a heat conducting part, wherein the material of the heat conducting part has a higher thermal conductivity than the body part; a cylinder accommodating the displacer in such a manner as to allow the displacer to reciprocate in the axial directions of the cylinder, wherein an expansion space is formed between the cylinder and a low temperature end of the displacer; a clearance channel formed between the displacer and the cylinder so as to allow a refrigerant gas to flow into the expansion space; and a cooling stage positioned adjacent to the expansion space. The heat conducting part faces the cooling stage across the clearance channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
  • Patent number: 8474272
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to multistage pulse tube coolers. In some embodiments, one or more stages of the pulse tube cooler may comprise a control valve positioned between the hot end of the pulse tube and the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, one or more inter-stage control valves may be positioned between the pulse tubes of consecutive stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Sidney W. K. Yuan, Jee S. Cha
  • Publication number: 20130160468
    Abstract: A compressor controller includes: a control amount calculation unit configured to calculate at least two control amounts including a first control amount for controlling a first control object that relates to a gas amount for cooling a cryogenic apparatus, and a second control amount for controlling a second control object that relates to the refrigerant gas amount and that is different from the first control object, the second control amount being common with the first control amount; and a selection unit configured to select a control object to be controlled from at least two control objects including the first control object and the second control object on the basis of a comparison between the at least two common control amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
  • Patent number: 8468838
    Abstract: The present invention includes a thermoacoustic assembly and method for improved efficiency. The assembly has a first stage Stirling thermal unit comprising a main ambient heat exchanger, a regenerator and at least one additional heat exchanger. The first stage Stirling thermal unit is serially coupled to a first end of a quarter wavelength long coupling tube. A second stage Stirling thermal unit comprising a main ambient heat exchanger, a regenerator, and at least one additional heat exchanger, is serially coupled to a second end of the quarter wavelength long coupling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Backhaus, Greg Swift
  • Publication number: 20130152606
    Abstract: A heating and cooling device includes a cylinder having a chamber for receiving a gas. A guiding groove is defined in an inner periphery of the chamber. A piston assembly is movably received in the chamber of the cylinder. The piston assembly includes first and second pistons and a connecting rod connected to the first and second pistons. The first piston is mounted to a side of the second piston and rotatable relative to the connecting rod. Each of the first and second pistons includes a plurality of openings. A guiding block is formed on an outer periphery of the first piston and is slideably received in the guiding groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Chang-Hsien TAI, Uzu-Kuei Hsu, Jr-Ming Miao, Geng-Ren Liu
  • Publication number: 20130139525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating a heat load imposed on a cryogenic refrigerator, to an associated computer program product, and to a method for controlling the cooling power output by said refrigerator. As the refrigerator (1, 1?) includes a phase separator (40, 40?) comprising a bath (41, 41?) of refrigerant, the method for estimating the heat load imposed on said refrigerator includes a step in which said heat load is estimated using a program executed by a computer, said program being based on a mass balance carried out on the phase separator for expressing variations in the time drift of the height of the bath of refrigerant in the phase separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Mazen Alamir, Patrick Bonnay, Fanny Clavel
  • Publication number: 20130133341
    Abstract: The invention proposes a reliable high-performance cryorefrigeration device, the level of thermal oscillations of which may be minimized so as to be below a threshold value. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a cryorefrigeration device comprising N periodically operating cryorefrigerators (100), N being an integer equal to or greater than 2, each cryorefrigerator being provided with a cold end coupled to a common cold end (300), the cryorefrigerators being linked to a control device provided with a phase-shift means capable of making the cryorefrigerators operate in phase-shifted relationship one with respect to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Francois Viargues, Daniel Communal, Marc Chichoux, Gerard Marzo
  • Publication number: 20130126245
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling internal components of a down-hole well drilling apparatus. Components of the well drilling apparatus are encased in an inner canister that is further encased in an outer canister creating a void between the inner canister and the outer canister. Further, a plurality of moveable barriers is disposed between the inner canister and the outer canister and contains a heat transfer fluid. A plurality of agitators add mechanical energy to the plurality of moveable barriers compressing and expanding, while repositioning, the heat transfer fluid and creating a heat pump based on a reverse Stirling cycle to remove heat from the cooler inner canister and transfer the heat to the hotter environment outside the outer canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SONDEX WIRELINE LIMITED
    Inventor: David Blaine Ayers