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Hybrid Cooler System for Superconducting Electronics

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Missile Defense Agency
Contract: FA9453-04-C-0285
Agency Tracking Number: B2-0805
Amount: $0.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1367 Camino Robles Way
San Jose, CA 95120
United States
DUNS: 938515913
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 James Maddocks
 Senior Research Scientist
 (608) 265-4246
 maddocks@cae.wisc.edu
Business Contact
 Ali Kashani
Title: Program Director
Phone: (408) 507-0906
Email: akashani@atlasscientific.com
Research Institution
 University of Wiscosin-Madison
 Diane Barrett
 
460 Peterson Bldg. , 750 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53706
United States

 (608) 262-0252
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Atlas Scientific, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Cryogenic Engineering Group, is developing an innovative 10 K cooling system that is ideally suited to the cryogenic packaging requirements of a space-based superconducting electronics system. To achieve the most efficient and reliable hybrid cooler possible, we are combining a single-stage, linear-drive pulse tube with a low-temperature reverse-Brayton stage. The system avoids the inherent losses associated with a regenerator at low temperature, as well as, the inefficiencies associated with the Joule-Thompson process, by incorporating a novel turbo-expander in the low temperature reverse-Brayton stage. We are currently developing hydrostatic bearings for use in the turbine. Hydrostatic bearings provide support even in the absence of shaft rotation and therefore eliminate rubbing contact and increase the life and reliability of the bearing. Also, because hydrostatic bearings do not directly depend on viscous action for operation, relatively larger clearances can be used without significantly sacrificing rotordynamic performance at low temperatures, thus making them cost effective. In Phase II we will design and fabricate the complete miniature cryogenic turbine, using hydrostatic bearings, for inclusion in the hybrid cooler.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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