Lockheed Martin's High Power Microcryocooler is three times more powerful than its first design-yet just as power efficient-and capable of reaching temperatures as low as -320 F (-195 C). (PRNewsFoto/Lockheed Martin)
Scientists at Lockheed Martin have packed three times the power density into a key satellite cooling system. The system’s previous design was already the lightest in its class.
The High Power Microcryocooler is one of the industry’s highest power density cryocooling systems, capable of delivering more than 150 watts per kilogram.
This is compared to the 30-60 watts per kilogram most other space-rated cryocoolers deliver.
The microcryocooler weighs under a pound, less than half the weight of similar cooling systems.
The cryocooler is built using the same long-life features common to all space pulse tube cryocoolers.
According to Jeffrey Olson, a research scientist at Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center, the primary feature of this new design is that the compressor, which has the only moving parts in the system, utilizes flexure bearings that allow axial movement but laterally are very stiff, and clearance seals for minimal contact and wear.
The compressor motor design allows for high operating frequency, 140 Hz compared to 40-60 Hz typical of other space cryocoolers, increasing the input power capability.
The design also allows greater input power into the small compressor volume due to highly effective heat sinking of the compressor, as the cryocooler coldhead is thermodynamically optimized for operation at high input power and high frequency.
Even with its increased capability, the power efficiency rating is roughly the same as lower-power coolers.
“Our previous design was a revolution in size, and now we’re taking it further and packing it with increased power,” said Olson.
The High Power Microcryocooler exemplifies Lockheed Martin’s continued efforts to reduce component size, enabling compact, higher-power spacecraft payloads, and smaller sensor platforms here on Earth.
The advancements in this cooler will have a range of applications for technology in space exploration, on naval ships and aboard aircraft.
Specifically, sophisticated electronics such as satellite sensors and cameras need to be cooled to properly detect and image what they're designed to capture, even to temperatures as low as -320 F (-195 C).
Infrared cameras and sensors in particular need to be cooled to specific temperatures in order to operate effectively — otherwise they are essentially blinded by their own heat signature, and unable to properly image the target.
Smaller cryocoolers will mean more affordable satellites and launches as there is less weight added to the payload.
For more details on the High Power Microcryocooler, visit Lockheed Martin’s website here.