The miniature, reversed Stirling cycle cryo-cooler: integrated simulation of performance

Miniature cryogenic coolers operating on the reversed Stirling cycle are us ed for cooling the detectors of thermal imaging systems. The type is a cand idate for duty in satellites-a singularly demanding environment, since what ever the cooling power achieved, there is pressure for it to be greater; wh atever the electrical power consumption, there is demand for it to be less. Stirling cycle machines, both prime movers and reversed-cycle, are renowne d for the high cost of trial-and-error development. The situation calls for improved understanding of the cycle of thermodynamic processes. This paper makes a start by breaking with the tradition of arbitrary linearisation of the defining equations, and by integrating the characteristics of the elec tromagnetic drive circuit with simultaneous computation of the dynamic, the rmodynamic and fluid flow processes. A specific cooler is defined and simul ated performance points adduced in evidence of correct functioning of the c omputations. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.