Innovative Technology for Low Temperature Regenerators

Abstract

A novel approach for fabrication of cryocooler regenerators is proposed. The regenerators consist of a matrix with a system of through parallel microchannels of pre-assigned shapes and sizes. Diameters of the channels can be strictly controlled and set at any value from a few microns to a few millimeters. The volume fraction occupied by the microchannels can be also precisely controlled and set at any value from 1% to 95%. Regenerators of various customized shapes, geometrical and structural characteristics to ensure desirable end properties may be produced. The patented technique offers a possibility to fabricate cryocooler regenerators with controlled surface area and low fluid flow resistance from any powder materials including brittle magnetic intermetallics. Mechanical stability of the regenerators is expected to be much better than that of beds packed with spheres. It is anticipated that the cost of manufacture using the MCS technology will be significantly lower because of much higher yields compared to the traditional sphere production and spherical regenerator beds packing.