Numerical simulation and performance optimization of a high capacity pulse tube cryocooler

Recent developments of superconductive industries require cryocoolers with cooling power higher than 1 W in the 70–80 K temperature range. High capacity pulse tube cryocoolers assure the cooling power required for operation of superconducting devices. This paper presents numerical simulation of a high capacity pulse tube cryocooler, intended to provide more than 200 W cooling power at 80 K. In this respect the behavior of the cryocooler is explained by applying the mass and energy balance equations to different components of the cryocooler. Nodal analysis technique is employed to simulate the tube section behavior numerically. To perform the system optimization the influence of key operating parameters on cryocooler cooling capacity and coefficient of performance is studied. The proposed model reports the optimum cooling capacity of 244 W at 80 K cold end temperature at frequency of 50 Hz with 3.5 kW net power delivered to the gas.