Stirling Technology Company (STC) will demonstrate a two-stage free- piston Stirling cycle cryocooler that will simultaneously provide 40 W net refrigeration at 50 K and 3.0 W net refrigeration at 10K while requiring a total electrical input of less than 2500 W. This will be accomplished with a compressor to expander interconnect tube length of 3 meters and an expander peak vibrational force of less than 16 Newtons. Successful demonstration of flexural bearing support and clearance seals in this cryocooler will significantly extend the range of application for this technology which is expected to allow multi-year maintenance-free operation. Further development of this cryocooler will lower MRI operating costs through reduced cryocooler maintenance. The cryocooler may also find application as a pre-cooler for Joule-Thompson devices for helium liquefaction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44GM047217-02
Application #
3508050
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG7-SSS-8 (04))
Project Start
1992-03-01
Project End
1995-08-31
Budget Start
1993-09-01
Budget End
1994-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Stirling Technology Company
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Richland
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
99352