Latest Pulse Tube Coolers developments of Air Liquide for Space

摘要

Thanks to important development efforts completed and partial ESA funding, Air Liquide Advanced Technology Division (AL/DTA), is now in position to propose two Pulse Tube cooler systems in the 40-80K temperature range for coming Earth Observation missions such as Meteosat Third Generation, Sentinel 3, etc... The two pulse tube coolers thermo-mechanical units are qualified against environmental constraints. The associated Cooler Drive Electronics is also an important aspect specifically regarding the active control of the cooler thermo-mechanical unit during the launch phase, the active reduction of the vibrations induced by the compressor (partly supported by the French Agency CNES) of course the electrical interfaces with the compressor. This paper details the presentation of the two Pulse Tube Coolers together with the Cooler Drive Electronics aspects.