Long-life cryocooler performance and production Original Research Article

Raytheon is currently manufacturing a low rate production lot of long-life cryocoolers to support its internal laboratory needs. The cryocooler being manufactured is an Oxford-class Stirling cycle cryocooler designed to provide >3 W heat lift at 60 K with an operational life in excess of eight years. Initial testing indicates that this cryocooler has a measured heat lift capability in excess of 4 W at 60 K. This paper discusses the performance mapping data of the engineering units currently in test providing insight to its capability over a wide range of operational temperatures and heat lift conditions. Status of a life test unit representative of this design is reviewed; this life test unit currently has in excess of 35,000 h of operation without a failure. Manufacture of this cryocooler is being implemented in a 2200 sq ft production facility capable of supporting delivery rates in excess of 40 cryocoolers per year. A brief overview of this facility is provided.