Helium Refrigeration System

Product Overview

The Helium Refrigeration System is an advanced cryogenic refrigeration system designed to provide cooling capacity in the liquid helium temperature range, typically delivering stable refrigeration in the 2–20 K ultra-low temperature range. It is widely used in superconducting technology, nuclear fusion research, high magnetic field science, aerospace engineering, new energy systems, and large-scale scientific projects.

The system generally consists of a circulating gas source, cryogenic cold box, liquid helium storage unit, control system, and related utility systems. It is capable of long-term stable operation and meets the high reliability requirements of ultra-low temperature refrigeration.

Depending on application scale, the system can cover 20 K class refrigerators, 4.5 K class refrigerators, and large-scale cryogenic liquefaction systems, providing efficient cryogenic solutions for a wide range of operating conditions.

Working Principle

The helium refrigeration system mainly operates based on the helium turbo reverse Brayton cycle or the Joule–Thomson throttling principle to achieve ultra-low temperature refrigeration.

High-pressure helium gas is supplied by the compressor and then enters the cold box, where it passes through multi-stage heat exchangers for progressive cooling. The gas then expands in a turbo expander, producing refrigeration through expansion work.

In certain operating modes, helium can be further cooled through a Joule–Thomson valve, allowing the formation of liquid helium. The low-temperature helium is delivered to the user equipment to provide cooling capacity, after which the return gas flows back to the cold box.

Through heat recovery and re-cooling, the helium re-enters the circulation loop, forming an efficient closed-cycle refrigeration process. The cold box adopts a high-vacuum insulation structure and integrates key components such as heat exchangers, expansion turbines, cryogenic valves, and adsorbers, ensuring reliable operation in the 2–20 K ultra-low temperature range.

Key Features

• High-Efficiency Insulation Structure:The cold box adopts high-vacuum insulation design, minimizing heat loss and maintaining stable cryogenic conditions.
• Ultra-Low Temperature Cooling Capability:Multi-stage heat exchangers and turbo expanders enable efficient refrigeration from 20 K down to the liquid helium temperature range.
• Stable Liquid Helium Supply:Can be equipped with liquid helium storage systems and coaxial transfer lines to support continuous liquid helium delivery.
• Automated Control System:Advanced control platform with hardware, software configuration, and remote monitoring functions ensures safe and stable operation.
• Flexible System Configuration:Optional integration of liquid nitrogen storage tanks, instrument air systems, and cooling water systems according to project requirements.
• Wide Capacity Range:Suitable for small, medium, and large refrigeration capacities, with customizable system design.
• Integrated Cryogenic Process Support:Can be applied to helium recovery, liquefaction, and reuse within comprehensive cryogenic engineering systems.

Applications

• Superconducting Technology:Used in superconducting accelerator systems and high magnetic field research platforms.
• Nuclear Fusion Research:Provides stable cryogenic cooling environments for fusion experimental devices.
• Neutron Science Facilities:Applied in cryogenic systems for cold neutron sources and spallation neutron sources.
• Superconducting Power Technology:Supports superconducting cables, energy storage systems, and related power applications.
• Advanced Equipment:Used in magnetic levitation systems and magnetic shielding devices.
• Deep Cryogenic Simulation:Enables simulation of deep-space cryogenic environments for space technology research.
• Cryogenic Gas Engineering:Applied in helium and hydrogen recovery, liquefaction, and storage systems.
• Scientific & Materials Research:Supports new material development and low-temperature physics experiments.
• Aerospace Engineering:Used in cryogenic refrigeration systems for spacecraft equipment and large-scale scientific infrastructure.