Abstract Raytheon has developed a concept for compact, lightweight space cryocoolers that merges the existing company expertise in tactical cryocoolers and space cryocoolers. The compressor is an upgrade to the existing Raytheon 705X tactical compressor product line in which the rubbing seals are eliminated through the incorporation of a non-contacting, flexure bearing piston support system characteristic of that used presently on thespace cryocooler productline. To minimize cost and weight, the expander is a single-stage pulse tube. A concentric pulse tube configuration is used to simplify system integration by providing a distinct cold tip and radially symmetric structural stiffness. The cryocooler electronics module is essentially a radiation-hardened version of the existing tactical high reliability electronics design. The novel aspect of the proposed concept is the merging of the previously distinct tactical and space cryocooler technologies. The underlying technologies are essentially proven. Over 5,000 linear compressors of similar basic construction (motors, housing, etc.) have been built and fielded by Raytheon over the past ten years. Flexure bearing piston support systems have been employed on many past Raytheon space cryocooler designs (SSC, ISSC, PSC, SBIRS Low) as well as throughout the industry. Similarly, single-stage concentric pulse tubes have been built at Raytheon and elsewhere.More than 100 high reliability cryocooler electronics boxes have been fabricated and delivered tothecustomer community. The merging of these proven technologies yields a space cryocooler with recurring costs approximately a factor of ten lower than the present industry average of $2M.The projected weight for the combined cryocooler and electronics module is about 3 kg.
Low Cost, Lightweight Space Cryocoolers
Cryocoolers 12 ; 183-190
2003-01-01
8 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Low Cost, Lightweight Space Cryocoolers
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|British Library Conference Proceedings | 2011
|AIAA | 2011
|NTRS | 2000
|Low Cost Cryocoolers for Cryoelectronics
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997
|