Abstract Regenerators with finite losses are capable of absorbing a limited amount of heat at intermediate temperatures along their length. This paper discusses a simple analytical model and a rigorous numerical model of regenerator behavior under the influence of heat input or heat removal at intermediate temperatures as well as the influence of a steady mass flow superimposed on the oscillating mass flow within the regenerator. The finite time-averaged enthalpy transport through the regenerator undergoes a discontinuity at the location of the heat input to satisfy the First Law of Thermodynamics. The discontinuous enthalpy flow leads to a discontinuous temperature gradient in the axial direction and to an increase in the regenerator loss that must be absorbed at the cold end. However, the increased loss is less than the heat input at the intermediate temperature, which allows the regenerator to provide a certain amount of cooling without the need for a separate expansion stage. This phenomenon is particularly useful for shield cooling and for precooling a gas continuously or at discrete regenerator locations prior to liquefaction at the cold end. For continuous precooling the total heat load can be reduced by as much as 23%. A comparison is made of the system performance with and without intermediate heat input under various conditions. The paper presents design guidelines to determine the amount of heat a regenerator is capable of absorbing at various temperatures. Methods for optimizing the location of discrete heat inputs are presented. The analytical and numerical models are in very good agreement with each other and are consistent with very limited experimental data.
Regenerator Behavior with Heat Input or Removal at Intermediate Temperatures
Cryocoolers 11 ; 409-418
2002-01-01
10 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
Regenerator Behavior with Heat Input or Removal at Intermediate Temperatures
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