A One kPa Centrifugal Cold Compressor for the 1.8 K Helium Refrigeration System

摘要

CERN placed an order for a cold compressor prototype (CCP) with IHI for the LHC project. The CCP is supported by the oil-free magnetic bearings, driven by an induction motor. The compressor has the characteristics of a high efficiency and wide operation range, thanks to the optimum design for the impeller and diffuser. The result of the performance tests at CERN showed that static heat inleaks could be controlled at approx. 7.3 W, and an adiabatic efficiency is 75 % at a nominal flow of 18 g/s with suction temperature of 4.4 K and suction pressure of 1 kPa.