SBIR-STTR Award

Virtual AeroSurface Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Raytheon Company, proposes an SBIR program for the development of a MEMS fabricated microcompressor suitable for use with microcryocooler systems. The proposed microcompressor will be designed to provide 10 W of compressor power from an approximately 1 cm3 compressor package. In the Phase I program, two candidate concepts will be analyzed as means of provide positive displacement compression (particularly suitable for direct application to cooler systems with reciprocating thermal cycles, such as a Stirling cycle or pulse tube). The first concept will miniaturize a moving-magnet linear actuator, and the second will utilize a piezoelectric vibrating membrane. Both of these designs will be intended to eliminate frictional wear and surface-to-surface contact which would contaminate the micro-scale system and lead to catastrophic reductions in compressor effectiveness. Significant modeling and design of the two concepts will be performed and initial component prototyping will be performed with the superior design (based upon effectiveness, efficiency, and manufacturability) downselected at the end of Phase I for full prototyping and experimental characterization as part of a prospective Phase II program.

Keywords:
Cryocooling, Mems, Microcompressor, Moving-Magnet Actuator, Piezoelectric

Virtual AeroSurface Technologies, in collaboration with Raytheon Company and Georgia Tech, proposes a Phase II SBIR program for the development and prototyping of a small-scale compressor with design specifications intended for use with prospective small-scale cryocooler systems. This compressor will based upon a moving-magnet concept down-selected at the end of the Phase I program. The Phase II work will focus on the advanced design and optimization of key subsystems including the overall electromagnetic design (including the relative locations and geometries of magnets, back irons, and coils investigated through experimental prototyping and parametric studies using finite element analysis), a MEMS based coil fabrication approach (allowing for higher coil packing density than conventional approaches and utilizing a novel approach to convert 2-D fabrication structures into 3-D arrays), and the working fluid interface and seal (to be down-selected among diaphragm and piston based concepts based upon effectiveness and manufacturability). The optimized system components will be tested for outgassing and key integration concerns and combined into a fully functional prototype for which performance characterization and endurance testing will be undertaken. Compatibility with prospective small-scale cryocooler thermal elements will be insured through systems analysis using modeling and experimental results from other related ongoing programs.

Keywords:
Small-Scale Compressor, Moving-Magnet Actuator, Mems, Coil Fabrication, Microcryocooler, Pulse Tube Refrigerator