Thanks to important development efforts completed with ESA funding, Air Liquide Advanced Technology Division (AL/DTA), is now in position to propose two Pulse Tube cooler systems in the 40-80K temperature range for coming Earth Observation missions such as Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), SIFTI, etc…
The Miniature Pulse Tube Cooler (MPTC) is lifting up to 2.47W@80K with 50W compressor input power and 10°C rejection temperature. The weight is 2.8 kg. The Large Pulse Tube Cooler (LPTC) is providing 2.3W@50K for 160W input power and 10°C rejection temperature. This product is weighing 5.1 kg. The two pulse tube coolers thermo-mechanical units are qualified against environmental constraints as per ECSS-E-30. They are both using dual opposed pistons flexure bearing compressor with moving magnet linear motors in order to ensure very high lifetime.
The associated Cooler Drive Electronics is also an important aspect specifically regarding the active control of the cooler thermo-mechanical unit during the launch phase and the active reduction of the vibrations induced by the compressor (partly supported by the French Agency CNES).
This paper details the presentation of the two Pulse Tube Coolers together with the Cooler Drive Electronics aspects.
Thanks to important development efforts completed internally and with the European Space Agency (ESA) funding, Air
Liquide Advanced Technology Division (AL/DTA) is now in position to propose two Pulse Tube cooler systems in the
40-80K temperature range for coming Earth Observation missions such as Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), SIFTI,
etc... The Miniature Pulse Tube Cooler (MPTC) is lifting up to 2.47W@80K with 50W maximal compressor input
power and 10°C rejection temperature. The weight is 2.8 kg. The Large Pulse Tube Cooler (LPTC) is providing
2.3W@50K for 160W input power and 10°C rejection temperature. This product is weighing 5.1 kg. The two pulse tube
coolers thermo-mechanical units are qualified against environmental constraints as per ESA ECSS-E-30. They are both
using dual opposed pistons flexure bearing compressor with moving magnet linear motors in order to ensure very high
lifetime. The associated Cooler Drive Electronics is also an important aspect specifically regarding the active control of
the cooler thermo-mechanical unit during the launch phase and the active reduction of the vibrations induced by the
compressor (partly supported by the French Agency CNES). This paper details the presentation of the two Pulse Tube
Coolers together with the Cooler Drive Electronics aspects.
KEYWORDS: Electronics, Amplifiers, Interfaces, Prototyping, Manufacturing, Temperature metrology, Field effect transistors, Aerospace engineering, Design for manufacturability, Power supplies
Thanks to important development efforts completed and partial ESA funding, Air Liquide Advanced Technology
Division (AL/DTA), is now in position to propose two Pulse Tube cooler systems in the 40-80K temperature range for
coming Earth Observation missions such as Meteosat Third Generation, Sentinel 3, etc... The two pulse tube coolers
thermo-mechanical units are qualified against environmental constraints.
The associated Cooler Drive Electronics is also an important aspect specifically regarding the active control of the
cooler thermo-mechanical unit during the launch phase, the active reduction of the vibrations induced by the compressor
(partly supported by the French Agency CNES) of course the electrical interfaces with the compressor.
This paper details the presentation of the two Pulse Tube Coolers together with the Cooler Drive Electronics aspects.
T. Trollier, J. Tanchon, J. Buquet, G. Aigouy, A. Ravex, I. Charles, A. Coynel, L. Duband, E. Ercolani, L. Guillemet, J. Mullié, T. Benschop, M. Linder
A Large heat lift 40 to 80K Pulse Tube Cooler (LPTC) has been designed, manufactured and tested in partnership
between AL/DTA, CEA/SBT and THALES Cryogenics BV. The Engineering Model specification of 2.3 W cooling
power at 50 K for 10°C rejection temperature and maximum 160 watts electrical input power has been reached. The as
built model weighs 5.13 kg. The thermal and mechanical performances are presented and discussed. This work is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC Contract N°18433/04/NL/AR) in the frame of future Earth Observation instruments development.
AL/DTA became a major supplier in the field of space cryogenics for the European Space Industry. From MELFI freezer for the International Space Station (ISS) to HERSCHEL and PLANCK satellites for Cosmic Vision, AL/DTA has acquired a large know-how in space cryogenic systems. Convinced by the great interest of Pulse Tube technology for space applications and especially for Earth Observation or Surveillance Tracking, AL/DTA started its first development in mid nineteenths. Then the European Space Agency started to support the development in 2000. Partnerships were launched with CEA/SBT (France) and Thales Cryogenics B.V. (The Netherlands) in order to take the advantage of the competencies and experience of each other. Based on the will to improve important issues such as reliability and mechanical robustness, technology improvements are now available in AL/DTA Pulse Tube coolers. This paper proposes an overview of AL/DTA cryocoolers for space applications following by a detailed description of Pulse Tube Coolers and particularly their integration.
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