Questions to Answer Before You Choose a Mechanical Cryocooler

Each cryocooler has its own set of characteristics. For example, some can absorb high heat loads, but require high electrical power, while others provide less cooling power, but also require less electrical power. To help us help you choose the proper cryocooler for your instrument, consider these questions, then give us a ring.

Temperature: What temperature do you need to cool to?
Heat Load: How much heat will the cooler need to absorb? In general, that question divides in two: how much heat will leak in from warmer parts of the apparatus, and how much will the cold part of your apparatus actually generate?
Mass: How much can the cooler weigh without pushing your instrument over its mass budget?
Power: How much electrical power is available to run the cryocooler?
Vibration: How much vibration can the cooler produce without interfering with your instrument? Different types of coolers produce different amounts of vibration. Many coolers, for example, have pistons that move back and forth. In some coolers, the vibration of this piston is cancelled by a balancing mass that moves oppositely to the piston. In other cases, two coolers can be set up to help cancel each other's vibrations. In any case, the vibration limits set by your instrument will help determine what coolers you can use.
Lifetime: How long does your instrument need to run in order to meet your minimum science requirements? If your mission only needs to last 2 months, you can probably economize on your cryocooler. If, on the other hand, your mission will last for several years, then you need to be more choosy about your cryocooler.

Once you've considered these questions, we can help you with the next step, which is sorting through the available coolers to see which best meets your needs. For our contact information, see our cryogenics contact page.

Mechanical Cooler Page

Curator: Mark O. Kimball
NASA Official: Eric A. Silk
Last Updated: 09/11/2014