Approximate design method for single stage pulse tube refrigerators

Abstract

An approximate design method is presented for the design of a single stage Stirling type pulse tube refrigerator. The design method begins from a defined cooling power, operating temperature, average and dynamic pressure, and frequency. Using a combination of phasor analysis, approximate correlations derived from extensive use of REGEN3.2, a few 'rules of thumb,' and available models for inertance tubes, a process is presented to define appropriate geometries for the regenerator, pulse tube and inertance tube components. In addition, specifications for the acoustic power and phase between the pressure and flow required from the compressor are defined. The process enables an appreciation of the primary physical parameters operating within the pulse tube refrigerator, but relies on approximate values for the combined loss mechanisms. The defined geometries can provide both a useful starting point, and a sanity check, for more sophisticated design methodologies. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.