Research Progress of Pulse Tube With Acoustic Power Recovery

Owing to its advantages of low vibration, long lifespan, and high reliability, the pulse tube refrigerator has demonstrated significant potential in applications such as high-temperature superconducting systems and satellite-borne infrared devices. As a result, it has become one of the prominent research areas in recent years. However, the inherent refrigeration efficiency of a pulse tube refrigerator using traditional phase modulation methods is generally lower than that of a Stirling refrigerator. This is primarily because the acoustic power at the hot end is dissipated as heat. Recovering this acoustic power can enhance refrigeration efficiency and reduce overall system weight, which is especially beneficial for refrigerators with high cooling capacities operating in high-temperature environments. This paper reviews the current state of research on acoustic power recovery methods for pulse tube refrigerators, both domestically and internationally, and explores their application prospects and development trends. Finally, a pulse tube refrigerator incorporating acoustic power recovery suitable for use in a KIP unit is presented.