Optimization of a two stage pulse tube refrigerator for the integrated current lead system

R. Maekawa, Y. Matsubara, A. Okada, S. Takami, M. Konno, A. Tomioka, T. Imayoshi, H. Hayashi, T. Mito

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Implementation of a conventional current lead with a pulse tube refrigerator has been validated to be working as an Integrated Current Lead (ICL) system for the Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES). Realization of the system is primarily accounted for the flexibility of a pulse tube refrigerator, which does not posses any mechanical piston and/or displacer. As for an ultimate version of the ICL system, a High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) lead links a superconducting coil with a conventional copper lead. To ensure the minimization of heat loads to the superconducting coil, a pulse tube refrigerator has been upgraded to have a second cooling stage. This arrangement reduces not only the heat loads to the superconducting coil but also the operating cost for a SMES system. A prototype two-stage pulse tube refrigerator, series connected arrangement, was designed and fabricated to satisfy the requirements for the ICL system. Operation of the first stage refrigerator is a four-valve mode, while the second stage utilizes a double inlet configuration to ensure its confined geometry. The paper discusses the optimization of second stage cooling to validate the conceptual design.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Cryogenic Engineering - Transactions of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference - CEC
Pages101-108
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventTransactions of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, CEC 2007 - hattanooga, TN, United States
Duration: Jul 16 2007Jul 20 2007

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume985
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

ConferenceTransactions of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, CEC 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
Cityhattanooga, TN
Period07/16/0707/20/07

Keywords

  • Cryocooler
  • Current lead
  • Pulse tube

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