Improved heat exchanger for Stirling cryocoolers based on graphene

Purpose and goal:

The goal of this project was to do basic work towards developing a regenerative heat-exchanger for cryogenic coolers, optimized by means of graphene to increase energy-efficiency and reduce costs in different markets. The goal has been achieved, by APR’s development of a new basic construction of a heat-exchanger with good prospects for high technical performance, and good prospects for future large-scale production. 2D fab delivered graphene nanoplatelets to APR and gave related advice.

Expected results and effects:

The work at APR resulted in a new construction which we believe has very good prospects for high performance-increases above current products on the market, and good prospects for future large-scale production. APR developed an advanced test set-up, and increased its competency and skill in this area, including about 2D fabs graphene-products. Positive feedback from a potential customer gave increased confidence in the economic future of the project.

Approach and implementation:

The work started at APR with a basic literature review, FTO-review, and construction and design work. After a suitable construction had been settled on, APR experimented with different types of surface coating with graphene and developed a lab test-setup. Numerical simulation was done, with positive results regarding technical performance. Continued development of the test-setup, including development of the graphene surface-coating process, is planned.