Compact Claude cycle refrigerator for laboratory use

A Claude cycle refrigerator with a three stage reciprocating expansion engine is described. Instead of a cam mechanism, valves are driven directly by magnetic solenoids operated by means of a micro processor control system. A swash plate mechanism is used to convert reciprocating motion of the expander pistons to rotary motion. A refrigeration capacity of 8 watts was achieved at 4.5 K with the operating pressure of 1.1 MPa and flow rate of 2.4 g/sec.. An effect of overintake operation was studied. Experimental results show that the efficiency of the expander has a peak point in the region of overintake operation with constant cycle speed, which agrees with theoretical results. The electrically controlled valve system is useful to vary the valve timing to achieve an optimum condition of operation.