JLAB, Newport News, Virginia
Helium refrigerators are of keen interest to present and future particle physics programs utilizing superconducting magnet or radio frequency (RF) technology. They typically utilize helium refrigeration at and below 4.5-Kelvin (K) temperatures and are very energy intensive. After an overview of the quality of energy, basic processes used for cryogenics, the Carnot step (as defined by the author) and cycle design theory, the concept of overall process optimization is presented. In particular the question of ‘what is an optimum system’ will be discussed. In this regard, the Ganni cycle and floating pressure control philosophy will be examined with respect to a more traditional approach as a solution to an optimum system for new designs and existing systems.
