Cryocooler regenerator containing one or more carbon-based anisotropic thermal layers
US9488389B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2309/1415
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus includes a regenerator configured to transfer heat to a fluid and to absorb heat from the fluid as the fluid flows between a warm end and a cold end of a cryocooler. The regenerator includes an anisotropic thermal layer configured to reduce a flow of heat axially along the regenerator and to spread the absorbed heat radially or laterally in a plane of the anisotropic thermal layer. The anisotropic thermal layer includes at least one allotropic form of carbon. The anisotropic thermal layer could have a higher radial or lateral thermal conductivity and a lower axial thermal conductivity. The anisotropic thermal layer could include carbon nanotubes and/or graphene. The regenerator could include multiple anisotropic thermal layers that divide the regenerator into multiple segments, where the anisotropic thermal layers are configured to reduce heat transfer between adjacent segments of the regenerator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.