WO2015020681A1

WO2015020681A1 - Modular architecture for helium compressors

Info

Publication number: WO2015020681A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/070454
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jost Diederichs; Michael Simmonds
Original assignee: Quantum Design International Inc
Current assignee: Quantum Design International Inc
Priority date: 2013-08-07
Filing date: 2013-11-16
Publication date: 2015-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-07

Abstract

A modular architecture for helium compressors is described. In the modular architecture, oil is cooled independently from gas. In one aspect, the oil is cooled subsequent to the gas with a series of water-cooled heat exchangers. In another aspect, the oil is cooled using a water-cooled heat exchanger coupled to a radiator, and the gas is independently cooled using a refrigerant-cooled heat exchanger coupled to a condensing unit.

Description

MODULAR ARCHITECTURE FOR HELIUM COMPRESSORS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to cryogenic refrigeration systems; and more particularly, to a modular architecture for helium compressors within such cryogenic refrigeration systems.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In conventional systems, about 10% of heat generated by a helium compressor is transferred into the helium, but this helium should be cooled to less than 20°C for best performance, both for Gifford McMahon (GM) type cryocooler systems and pulse tube cryocooler based systems. The majority of the heat load in such systems is attributed to cooling the oil, but the oil does not need to be cooled below around 50°C as long as the flow rate stays high, for example about 3.0 gallons per minute. Thus, there are distinct cooling requirements for each of the helium and the oil used in the cryogenic refrigeration system. This distinction has not been appreciated in traditional water-cooled or air-cooled helium compressors.

[0003] FIG.l shows a heat exchanger 10 having chilled water flowing therethrough, wherein cold chill water flows into an inlet in the heat exchanger 10, and circulates within an interior volume of the heat exchanger 10, before exiting as warm chill water out of an outlet of the heat exchanger 10. Hot helium is introduced through a first conduit 20 within the heat exchanger, and is cooled to yield cool helium flowing out of the first conduit 20. Similarly, hot oil is introduced through a second conduit 30 within the heat exchanger, and is cooled to yield cool oil flowing out of the second conduit 30. The hot helium and hot oil are each introduced at an end of the heat exchanger where the chill water is exiting, in theory to provide a maximum cooling gradient therebetween. Notice that each of the oil and the helium are collectively cooled by the heat exchanger, effectively cooling both the oil and the helium to some extent, but not very efficiently. Here, the oil consumes most of the cooling power of the heat exchanger, and the helium is not cooled sufficiently to yield maximum performance of the cryogenic refrigeration system.

[0004] For example, U.S. Serial No. 12/832,438, filed July 08, 2010, titled "AIR

COOLED HELIUM COMPRESSOR", describes a conventional system that is embodied with a combination Helium and Oil heat exchanger unit. Although the '438 application claims novelty of the placement of an oil cooler outdoors (as opposed to indoors) for maintaining a cool indoor environment, the embodiments described therein lend evidence of the state of the art where independent cooling requirements of the helium and oil within the system are not addressed independently, but rather, collectively.

[0005] The embodiments as described and claimed herein present an improvement over conventional architectures for helium gas compressors within such cryogenic refrigeration systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

[0006] Conventional architecture and methods for helium compressors within cryogenic refrigeration systems are functional, but extremely inefficient and can be unsafe.

Solution to Problem

[0007] A modular architecture for helium compressors is proposed. The modular architecture can be applied to a variety of environments, including those with chill water available and those without a source of readily available chill water. In addition, the proposed modular architecture incorporates the understanding that helium gas and oil each have distinct cooling requirements, wherein helium gas is required to be cooled to a temperature much lower than the oil. With this in mind, the solutions proposed and claimed provide independent cooling of the oil and helium within the compressor architecture.

[0008] In one embodiment, where chill water is available, the modular architecture comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger coupled in series order, the chill water is first circulated through the first heat exchanger for cooling the helium gas, and subsequently circulated through the second heat exchanger for cooling the oil. In this regard, heat absorbed from the oil is not introduced into the helium cooling portion, thus the efficiency of the helium cooling portion is improved compared to conventional systems where both the oil and the helium are cooled within a common dual-purpose heat exchanger.

[0009] In another embodiment, where chill water is unavailable, the modular architecture comprises a first heat exchanger independently coupled to a refrigerator, and a second heat exchanger independently coupled to a radiator. Here, a refrigerant is circulated between the first heat exchanger and the refrigerator, wherein the helium gas is cooled at a lower respective temperature. Furthermore, water is circulated between the second heat exchanger and the air- cooled radiator for cooling the oil. When compared to conventional systems where oil is circulated, the proposed architecture circulates water (not oil), requiring less oil for use in the system and enhancing safety. Moreover, the helium is cooled independent from the oil using a refrigerant for improved cooling.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0010] In the proposed architecture, oil is cooled independently from helium within the system, resulting in improved cooling efficiency.

[001 1] Conventional systems circulate hot oil between the compressor a heat exchanger, presenting safety and environmental hazards. In addition, more oil is consumed. Whereas in the proposed architecture only water is circulated between the compressor and the second heat exchanger; thus less oil is consumed in the system and circulating water reduces environmental and safety concerns.

[0012] Helium is sufficiently cooled but oil is not overcooled, which occurs in conventional systems and results in lower viscosity of the oil and ultimately leads to inefficient performance or failure of the cryogenic refrigeration system.

BRIEF DESCIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the following description, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, certain preferred embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG.l shows a heat exchanger having chilled water flowing therethrough, hot helium is introduced through a first conduit within the heat exchanger, hot oil is introduced through a second conduit within the heat exchanger, each of the oil and the helium are collectively cooled by the heat exchanger, cooling both the oil and the helium but not very efficiently.

[0015] FIG.2 shows a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system; the modular architecture utilizes chilled water and separate heat exchangers for each of the helium and oil within the system. [0016] FIG.3 shows a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system; the modular architecture utilizes separate heat exchangers for each of the helium and oil within the system, wherein a first heat exchanger is used in closed cycle with a radiator and water for cooling the oil, and a second heat exchanger is used in closed cycle with a refrigerator and refrigerant for cooling the helium.

[0017] FIG.4 shows a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system; the modular architecture provides a compressor coupled to separate heat exchangers for each of the helium and oil within the system, wherein a first heat exchanger is used in closed cycle with a condensing unit and refrigerant for cooling the helium, and a second heat exchanger is used in closed cycle with a radiator and water for cooling the oil.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0001] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these details and descriptions.

Example 1

[0018] Now turning to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system; the modular architecture utilizes chilled water and separate heat exchangers for each of the helium and oil within the system. This system is ideal for use with applications where chilled water is available. In this embodiment, a modular architecture provides distinct heat exchangers for each of the oil and the water used by the helium compressor. A first heat exchanger 1 10a is configured such that cold chill water flows into an inlet in the first heat exchanger, and circulates within an interior volume of the first heat exchanger, before exiting as warm chill water out of an outlet of the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger 1 10a is configured with one or more helium conduits 120 extending therein for communicating helium from a hot helium inlet to a cool helium outlet. Thus, as the hot helium enters through the helium conduit 120 of the first heat exchanger 1 10a, the hot helium is cooled and delivered out as cool helium through an outlet of the first heat exchanger. The warm chill water of the first heat exchanger is reused with a second heat exchanger 1 10b for cooling the oil, the second heat exchanger is connected after the first heat exchanger in series. In this regard, the helium is cooled first, and the oil is cooled second along the cycle of chilled water flowing through the modular architecture. Upon entering the second heat exchanger 1 10b, the reused chill water 1 15 is used to cool the oil in a manner similar to that described of the first heat exchanger. The oil is communicated through the second heat exchanger 1 10b using one or more oil conduits 130. Thus, the oil is cooled within the second heat exchanger 1 10b with reuse of the chilled water after first cooling the helium.

[0019] In the modular architecture of FIG.2, the oil can be slightly higher in temperature than the helium, and this is acceptable because the viscosity and related flow of the oil is improved at slightly higher temperatures. Whereas, if the oil is over-cooled beyond a required temperature, the resulting flow of oil may lead to shorter life or less efficient performance of the cryogenic refrigeration system.

Example 2

[0020] FIG.3 shows a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system; the modular architecture utilizes separate heat exchangers for each of the helium and oil within the system, wherein a first heat exchanger is used in closed cycle with a radiator and water for cooling the oil, and a second heat exchanger is used in closed cycle with a refrigerator and refrigerant for cooling the helium.

[0021] In the embodiment of FIG.3, a first heat exchanger 210a is used to cool helium within the cryogenic refrigeration system. The first heat exchanger 210a comprises one or more helium conduits 220 configured to maximize a surface area for cooling helium gas within the first heat exchanger. Additionally, the first heat exchanger 210a is configured in closed-cycle fluid communication with a refrigerator 250 and a refrigerant 255 circulating therein for cooling the helium. The refrigerant can be Freon, R134, R134a, or other similar refrigerants. A refrigerator is used to condense the refrigerant, which in turn is used to cool the helium within the first heat exchanger. In this regard, the helium can be cooled to much colder temperatures here using a refrigerator and a refrigerant than in conventional systems where chilled water is utilized as the cooling means.

[0022] Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG.3, a second heat exchanger 210b is used to cool the oil within the cryogenic refrigeration system. The second heat exchanger 210b comprises one or more oil conduits 230 configured to maximize a surface area for cooling oil within the second heat exchanger. Additionally, the second heat exchanger 210b is configured in closed-cycle fluid communication with a radiator 240 and a water-based coolant circulating therein for cooling the oil. The water-based coolant 215 can be water, or a combination of water and glycol. The radiator is used to exchange heat from the water, which in turn is used to cool the oil within the second heat exchanger. In this regard, the oil can be cooled independent of the helium, and thus does limit cooling of the helium.

Example 3

[0023] FIG.4 shows a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system; the modular architecture provides a compressor 301 coupled to separate heat exchangers 310a; 310b for each of the helium and oil, respectively, within the system, wherein a first heat exchanger 310a is used in closed cycle with a condensing unit 350 and refrigerant 355a; 355b for cooling the helium 325a; 325b, and a second heat exchanger 310b is used in closed cycle with a radiator 340 and water 315a; 315b for cooling the oil 305a; 305b.

[0024] Here, warm helium 325a leaves the compressor 301 and enters the first heat exchanger 310a. The first heat exchanger 310a comprises one or more helium conduits for circulating the helium and one of more refrigerant conduits for circulating refrigerant. As the helium is communicated through the first heat exchanger 310a it is cooled, and delivered back to the compressor as cool helium 325b. Refrigerant leaves the first heat exchanger 310a as a warm refrigerant 355a. The warm refrigerant 355a enters the condensing unit 350 for condensing/cooling the refrigerant. Once cooled by the condensing unit 350, cool refrigerant 355b is delivered back to the first heat exchanger 310a.

[0025] Additionally, warm oil 305a is delivered to the second heat exchanger 310b through oil conduits, cooled therein, and delivered back to the compressor 301 as cool oil. The second heat exchanger 310b comprises one or more oil conduits and one or more water conduits. The water leaves the second heat exchanger 310b as hot water 315a. The hot water 315a is introduced into the radiator 340, cooled by air, and returned as cool water 315b back to the heat exchanger. [0026] In this regard, the helium and oil are independently cooled in the modular architecture as described in FIG.4. The helium can be optimally cooled below 20°C. The oil can be independently and optimally cooled to a temperature between 45°C and 55°C. The water flow rate can be reduced to 2.0 gallons per minute, requiring less power for use in the system.

[0027] The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention as-claimed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0028] The claimed invention provides a modular architecture for cooling helium and oil used with a helium compressor in a cryogenic refrigeration system.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

(10) heat exchanger (305b) cool oil

(20) first conduit (310a) first heat exchanger

(30) second conduit (3 10b) second heat exchanger

( 1 10a) first heat exchanger (315a; 315b) water

( 1 10b) second heat exchanger (325a) warm helium

(1 15) reused chill water (325b) cool helium

(120) helium conduit (340) radiator

(130) oil conduit (350) condensing unit

(210a) first heat exchanger (355a; 355b) refrigerant

(210b) second heat exchanger

(215) water-based coolant

(220) helium conduit

(230) oil conduit

(240) radiator

(250) refrigerator

(255) refrigerant

(301) compressor

(305a) warm oil

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. An oil lubricated compressor system which compresses a monatomic gas and which comprises:

at least a compressor;

a water-cooled heat exchanger for cooling oil; and

a refrigerant-cooled heat exchanger for cooling the gas, the refrigerant-cooled heat exchanger being coupled to a condensing unit configured to condense and cool the refrigerant in a closed cycle.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said water-cooled heat exchanger is coupled to a radiator for cooling water circulating therebetween.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said water-cooled heat exchanger is distinct from said refrigerant-cooled heat exchanger.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of: Freon, R134, and Rl 34a.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein said water comprises a mixture of water and glycol.

6. An oil lubricated compressor system which compresses a monatomic gas and which comprises:

at least a compressor;

a first heat exchanger for cooling the gas; and

a second heat exchanger for cooling oil;

the first heat exchanger being distinct from the second heat exchanger.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said second heat exchanger is coupled to said first heat exchanger in series.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said first heat exchanger and said second heat exchanger coupled in series are configured to couple with a water source; wherein water from the water source is communicated through the first heat exchanger before being communicated through the second heat exchanger that is coupled in series.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said first heat exchanger comprises one or more helium conduits for communicating gas therethrough; wherein said first heat exchanger is configured to cool said gas within said one or more helium conduits.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein said second heat exchanger comprises one or more oil conduits for communicating oil therethrough; wherein said second heat exchanger is configured to cool said oil within said one or more oil conduits.

1 1. The system of claim 8, wherein said water is communicated through said first heat exchanger to cool said gas prior to said water being further communicated through said second heat exchanger to cool said oil.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein said first heat exchanger is coupled to a condensing unit; and a refrigerant is communicated in a closed cycle between the first heat exchanger and the condensing unit for cooling the gas within the first heat exchanger.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of: Freon, R134, and Rl 34a.

14. The system of claim 6, wherein said second heat exchanger is coupled to a radiator; and water is communicated in a closed cycle between the second heat exchanger and the radiator for cooling the oil within the second heat exchanger.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said water comprises a mixture of water and glycol.