Low Cost, High Efficiency Regenerator for Cryocoolers.

A new regenerator for cryocoolers has been invented. Phase I has demonstrated that the regenerator can be fabricated as conceived. The new regenerator should improve performance of the Brilliant Eyes cryocoolers by more than 20 percent without modifications. New cryocoolers designed from scratch to utilize the new technology have the potential to double current cryocooler performance, dramatically improving the ratio of heat transfer to pressure drop, through regenerator. This results in improved net refrigeration and coefficient of performance, which are particularly important for space applications, where payload and power consumption are critical. Higher COP means that a smaller cryocooler can do the same job as a larger one. Higher COP is also important in tactical cryocooler applications where batteries are the power source the batteries last longer. The regenerator can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including materials with high heat capacity at temperatures approaching absolute zero. MM