Hybrid liquid-hydrogen and helium cryocooler systems and methods
US9261295B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/32
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Embodiments of the disclosed invention relate to providing cooling to instruments or other components. More particularly, hydrogen from a store is provided to pre-cool helium contained within a closed loop refrigeration circuit. Helium pre-cooled by the hydrogen, for example after expansion of the hydrogen in an expansion valve, is itself passed through an expansion valve, and applied to a heat load. The helium can be circulated through the refrigeration circuit using a compressor. The hydrogen used for pre-cooling the helium can be from a store of hydrogen that also provides fuel to a hydrogen consumer, for example for propulsion of a vehicle carrying the cooling system or for the production of electrical power. A hydrogen consumer can also be provided with hydrogen that has first been used to pre-cool the helium refrigeration circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.