Thermodynamic characteristics of a single-stage stirling-type pulse tube cryocooler capable of 1220 W at 77 K with two cold fingers driven by one linear compressor

This paper conducts the thermodynamic analysis and experimental verification of a single-stage Stirling-type pulse tube cryocooler (SPTC) with the configuration of two cold fingers driven by one linear compressor, achieving the kW-class cooling capacity at 77 K. The internal oscillating mass and flow, heat transfer, and phase variation characteristics are analyzed for the design with the aid of CFD. Meanwhile, the regenerator filled with mixed matrices for optimizing the uniformity of its internal temperature distribution is also theoretically and experimentally investigated. Thermodynamic features of gas parcels oscillating in different parts of the cold finger are studied to clarify the internal working mechanism from the perspectives of movement, p–v, and T–s characteristics. The developed SPTC typically provides a cooling power of 1220 W at 77 K with a relative Carnot efficiency of 16.7%. The experimental and simulation results are compared, and fairly good consistencies are observed. •A 2-D axisymmetric and full-scale CFD model is built to analyze the heat transfer, oscillatory flow, and phase variation characteristics in the high-capacity SPTC.•Thermodynamic characteristics of gas parcels oscillating in typical parts of the cold finger are studied to clarify the working mechanism.•The SPTC typically provides 1220 W at 77 K with a relative Carnot efficiency of 16.7%.