Design, Modelling, and FEA Analysis of Miniature Moving Magnet Compressor for Pulse Tube Cryocooler

• Published in: Indian journal of science and technology 2024-08, Vol.17 (30), p.3116-3124
• Main Authors: Shinde, Jitendra G, Khot, Maruti M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0974-6846; 0974-5645
• DOI: 10.17485/IJST/v17i30.1929

Objectives: This research aims to design a miniature moving magnet compressor for pulse tube cryocoolers, suitable for applications in space exploration, medical devices, and precision scientific instruments. The goals include modeling the compressor with CAD tools, performing finite element analysis (FEA) to assess and enhance mechanical and thermal performance, and validating improvements in vibration reduction, noise minimization, and thermal efficiency. Method: The design process commenced with an in-depth analysis of cryocooler requirements, followed by creating a detailed compressor model using advanced CAD software to ensure accurate geometrical and material specifications. FEA was utilized to predict the compressor’s mechanical and thermal behavior under various operating conditions, focusing on key parameters such as displacement, magnetic flux density, and stress distribution. The optimized design reduced vibration levels by approximately 40%, and noise levels by 10 dB. Additionally, the compact design allowed for better integration into cryocooling systems, thereby enhancing overall performance and achieving a thermal efficiency improvement of 15%. Findings: FEA results demonstrated that the proposed compressor design met the desired operational parameters while maintaining structural integrity and thermal efficiency. The optimized design significantly reduced vibration and noise, which is essential for the effective operation of pulse tube cryocoolers. Additionally, the compact design allowed for better integration into cryocooling systems, thereby enhancing overall performance. FEA results demonstrated that the proposed compressor design met the desired operational parameters while maintaining structural integrity and thermal efficiency. Specifically, the design achieved a displacement of 0.5 mm, a maximum magnetic flux density of 1.2 T, and a stress distribution with a peak value of 150 MPa. Novelty: The research introduces a moving magnet compressor with a considerably smaller footprint than traditional designs, achieved without compromising performance. The incorporation of advanced materials and precise FEA was pivotal in optimizing the compressor's performance characteristics. This development represents a pioneering advancement in cryocooling technology. The research introduces a moving magnet compressor with a considerably smaller footprint—reducing the size by 30% compared to traditional designs—without compromising performance. The in