High reliability solid cryogen refrigeration system consists of a container initially filled with a solid cryogen which is coupled thermally to an infrared detector by means of a link of high thermal conductivity extending from a heat exchanger within the cryogen container

Caren, R. P.

Coston, R. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

December 1967	 Brief 67-10644 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
-I& 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Development of Dual Solid Cryogens for High Reliability Refrigeration System 
Solid Cryogen 
Heat Exchanger 
IA Detector 
Cryogen Fill 
and Vent Line 
IR Transparent \ 
Window	 - \	 j Multilayer Insulation 
Copper Rod 
Fill and Vent LiWes for 
Low Temperature Cryogen 
Circulation for Solidifying 
Solid Cryogen 
The problem:	 How it's done: 
To provide very low temperature cooling for time 	 Basically, a solid cryogen refrigeration system con-
periods up to I year by means of a high reliability	 sists of a container initially filled with a solid cryogen 
system having a low weight and volume. Spacecraft	 which is coupled thermally to an infrared detector by 
requirements in terms of weight, volume, and reliabil- 	 means of a link of high thermal conductivity extend-
ity are extremely stringent.	 ing from a heat exchanger within the cryogen con-
tainer. The cryogen is chosen so that the desired 
The solution:	 detector temperature is maintained at some appropri-
The use of a low temperature (50° K) solid cryogen	 ate value by controlling the vapor pressure over the 
in conjunction with an efficient thermal protection	 solid. Pressure control is achieved by controlling the 
system which utilizes a higher temperature, higher	 venting rate of the subliming vapor to the surround-
latent heat of sublimation solid cryogen in combina- 	 ing space environment. All extraneous heat leaks to 
tion with a multilayer insulation system. 	 the solid cryogen must be eliminated in order that the 
(continued overleat( 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000643 2020-03-11T21:33:04+00:00Z
principal thermal load on the solid cryogen is due to 
the infrared detector. This is accomplished by isolating 
the solid cryogen from its warm surroundings by 
means of a vacuum space filled with a multilayer 
insulation. A typical system is shown. 
Notes: 
I. A presently developed argon—carbon dioxide cryo-
gen refrigerator system provides 17 mw of cooling 
at 52°K to an infrared detector with a total system 
weight of 34 pounds. 
2. This type of refrigeration system may be useful 
in paramagnetic amplifier systems, radar systems, 
maser amplification systems, and spacecraft com-
munications and reconnaissance systems, as well 
as spacecraft-borne microwave astronomy experi- 
ments, all of which require refrigeration in various 
temperature ranges.
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 
Reference: B67-10644 
Patent status: 
Inquiries'about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: R. P. Caren and R. M. Coston

of Lockheed Missiles and Space Company

under contract to

Goddard Space Flight Center

- (GSC-10188)
LI 
Brief 67-10644	 -	 Category 02


Development of dual solid cryogens for high reliability refrigeration system

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