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Cost‑Effective Acoustic‑Stirling Cryocooler with Flexibly Attached Remote Coldhead--Clever Fellows Innovation Consortium, Inc., 302 Tenth Street, Troy, NY 12180; 518‑272‑3565;
Dr. Philip S. Spoor, Principal Investigator, pspoor@cficinc.com
Mr. John A. Corey, Business Official, jcorey@cficinc.com
DOE Grant No. DE‑FG02‑06ER84646
Amount: $745,897
New approaches for practical
cryogenic refrigeration are needed to realize the benefits of high-temperature
superconductivity in the electrical power grid infrastructure. Current approaches do not provide sufficient
reliability, efficiency, cost, and interface needed to support superconducting
transformers, transmission lines, and other devices in commercial service. This project will combine the reliability and
efficiency of acoustic-Stirling technology with the universality and
adaptability of coldfinger interfaces to achieve capacities of direct usability
in superconducting power systems. In
Phase I, the mechanical design for new remote coldheads
was completed, the production cost and reliability of coolers using that head
were evaluated, and performance simulation models were executed. The models were validated by testing against
an existing miniature remote-head cooler.
It was determined that this cooler type can approach or meet the cost
goal – as well as the reliability, capacity, and efficiency – required for superconducting power systems. Phase II will build and test the coolers
designed in Phase I for superconducting transformers
and transmission lines. One machine will
be submitted for long-term testing.
Commercial applications &
Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new coolers should deliver cold or liquid
cryogen at less cost than traditional truck-and-store distribution (where
applicable) and enable new uses where traditional distribution is unworkable
(e.g., shipboard power electronics cooling).
In addition to superconductivity, applications should include industrial
gas liquefaction and recondensation, power electronics cooling, and general scientific
cryogenics.