Optimization and sensitivity analysis of high frequency pulse tube cryocooler for aerospace application

Abstract

The demand for cryogenic cooling systems has been on the rise ever since the development of long-range infrared imaging systems, especially high-frequency stirling-type cryocoolers which have a vast array of applications in the aerospace sector. While there have been many studies reporting analysis of the pulse tube cryocoolers, these lack an optimization approach with a further sensitivity analysis from computational fluid dynamic (CFD) data to obtain better cold end temperatures. Presently, a response surface method (RSM), has been utilized to characterize the influence of the affecting parameters and a global sensitivity analysis has been conducted to put forward the critical parameters that influence the performance of the device. It is observed that an increase in frequency for lower pressure ratios with higher mean pressure results in better cooling performance in smaller pulse tube diameter models. The sensitivity analysis indicates the operating parameters such as frequency and pressure ratios to be more influential than the geometric parameters with an impact of over 80%.