Authors: Matthew Shenton Nathan Jorgensen Konstantin Matveev Jacob Leachman
Thermoacoustic oscillations are excited sound waves in systems with large temperature gradients. Thermoacoustic engines and refrigerators can be constructed using porous materials to enhance the acoustic power produced and facilitate heat pumping for refrigeration. Porous materials can also be utilized as catalytic beds to convert between the two spin-isomers of hydrogen: orthohydrogen and parahydrogen. The conversion between ortho- and parahydrogen is either endothermic or exothermic, and the composition of the isomers manipulates the heat capacity of the fluid. This study experimentally investigates ortho-parahydrogen conversion in a thermoacoustic standing-wave engine with different oxidized catalytic materials. Recorded experimental measurements include the onset temperature ratio, acoustic pressure amplitude, and frequency of the thermoacoustic engine. The results depict a relationship between the oxidized materials and the acoustic amplitude. All oxidized materials promoted an increase in acoustic amplitude versus the pure metallic components. Steady-flow conversion was measured for brass oxide and iron oxide pellets; however, no conversion was detected for aluminum oxide or copper oxide pellets. The initial datapoints provide evidence that future cryogenic hydrogen thermoacoustic devices will need to account for the spin isomer conversion inside the stack. New flow-through regenerating liquefiers can also be constructed, which convert orthohydrogen to parahydrogen during liquefaction.
]]>Authors: Hua Zhang Jihu Lu Feng Wu Yunzhenshan Gao Yuhang Zhang Ziyi Liu Xiaoli Dong
FeSe-based superconductors have become a hot topic with regard to high-temperature superconductor mechanisms and applications due to their broadly adjustable critical temperatures and the underlying rich physics. This has led to the emergence of numerous experimental approaches for regulating important critical parameters, particularly superconducting transition temperature, Tc. Owing to its powerful and effective control, electrochemical intercalation has become a widely adopted technique for tailoring the chemical and physical properties of layered materials in recent years. This short review concisely introduces FeSe-based superconductors and an electrochemical intercalation method and summarizes the research progress that has been made in utilizing this method to modulate the structure and superconductivity of FeSe-based materials.
]]>Authors: Wenlong Xue Jin Bai Zhongzhu Zhang Jibin Shen Zhan Liu
Due to excellent performance, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), being sealing material, is widely used in chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, energy engineering and other sectors. However, due to obvious temperature drops in supplying or storing fluids, the mechanical behavior of PTFE under cryogenic conditions is still unclear. In this study, the creep mechanical performance of PTFE gaskets after cryogenic aging in liquid oxygen is experimentally investigated. The circular PTFE gasket samples are immersed into liquid oxygen for cryogenic aging treatment. The universal testing machine is utilized for material mechanic tests. Three different load levels, including 10 MPa, 15 MPa and 20 MPa, are designed and accounted for. It is found that the creep strain of PTFE exhibits three typical stages, namely the initial rapid increase phase, transition phase with a reducing growth rate, and stable linear growth phase. Moderate cryogenic immersion aging can effectively improve the creep resistance of PTFE, but excessive aging treatments will lead to mechanical property degradation of PTFE. The Burgers life prediction model is improved by introducing a nonlinear correction term, which can accurately predict the creep behavior of PTFE under different aging states. The present study can provide experimental evidence and a theoretical basis for a deep understanding of the mechanical response of PTFE materials under extreme cryogenic intermittent service conditions.
]]>Authors: Bixi Li Fuzhi Shen
As one of the three fundamental modes of heat transfer, thermal radiation has long attracted interest due to its independence from a medium and its strong temperature dependence. In extreme environments such as deep space exploration and cryogenic engineering, thermal radiation often becomes the dominant heat transfer mechanism. Consequently, the radiative properties of materials are crucial for achieving precise thermal control, directly influencing the thermal stability and overall performance of advanced systems, including space probes, cryogenic devices, and superconducting components operating under high-vacuum and low-temperature conditions. This paper provides a systematic review of the physical mechanisms, key factors affecting emissivity, major measurement methods, and technological developments related to material radiative properties at cryogenic temperatures. Particular attention is given to experimental methods and techniques describing material radiative behavior, along with a comparative analysis of the suitability of different measurement techniques for cryogenic applications. Finally, the study highlights the significant practical value of this research for fields such as aerospace, precision electronics, and cryogenic instrumentation, aiming to offer insights for optimizing cryogenic thermal management and guiding the design of novel functional materials.
]]>Authors: Huajun Liu Shuowei Gao Wenzhe Hong Fang Liu
Fusion energy represents humanity’s most promising solution for achieving limitless, carbon-free power. The superconducting Tokamak has emerged as the primary pathway to realize this goal. China’s systematic multi-phase strategy, progressing from the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) partnership, and now advancing the China Fusion Engineering Demonstration Reactor (CFEDR), has catalyzed transformative innovations in fusion magnet technology, including the development of high-current-density Cable-in-Conduit Conductors (CICC) using both low-temperature superconductors (LTSs) and high temperature superconductors (HTSs), radiation-resistant ultra-low-resistance joints enabling efficient power transfer, multi-sensor quench detection systems with millisecond-level response for magnet integrity preservation, and cryogenic thermal management via multi-stage heat interception zones. This accumulated expertise in superconducting magnet technologies will accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy.
]]>Authors: Shen Zhao Zhicong Miao Zhixiong Wu Rongjin Huang Laifeng Li
Epoxy-based composites are crucial insulating and structural materials for superconducting magnets, providing mechanical strength, winding fixation, and heat transfer. However, future superconducting devices with higher integration and power will place even higher demands on their toughness, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and radiation resistance at low temperatures. Otherwise, problems such as cracking, detachment, and low heat dissipation efficiency will arise, which may lead to quenching of low-temperature superconductors (Nb3Sn, NbTi) and a decline in the performance of high-temperature superconductors (YBCO). Research focuses on summarizing the recent progress in modifying epoxy resin to address these issues. The current strategies include formula optimization using mixed curing and toughening agents to enhance mechanical properties, incorporating functional fillers to improve cryogenic thermal conductivity and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion. Studies also evaluate cryogenic electrical insulation performance (DC breakdown strength, flashover voltage) and radiation resistance under cryogenic conditions. These advancements aim to develop reliable epoxy composites, ensuring the stability and safety of superconducting magnets in applications such as particle accelerators and fusion reactors.
]]>Authors: Yi Wang Geyang Jiang Jiuce Sun Zhengrong Ouyang Lei Zhang Yule Shen Xuchun Ying
As the largest cryogenic superconducting platform in China and even Asia, the Shanghai High-intensity Ultrafast X-ray Facility (SHINE) highly depends on the stable operation of 1.3 GHz superconducting accelerating modules in a 2 K superfluid helium environment. This paper elaborates on the key control technologies developed and successfully applied to ensure the smooth aging process of superconducting modules in the cryogenic experiments of the SHINE injector section. To address the issue of thermal load fluctuations caused by the dynamic changes in RF power during the aging process, a dynamic power compensation algorithm based on real-time cavity pressure feedback was proposed and implemented. Meanwhile, a multi-variable coupled PID control strategy was adopted to achieve high-precision stability of the helium tank liquid level (±1%) and cavity pressure (±10 Pa). Experimental results show that this integrated control scheme effectively suppresses the risk of quenching caused by thermal disturbances, significantly improving the aging efficiency and operational reliability of the superconducting modules. This lays a solid technical foundation for the commissioning and long-term stable operation of the superconducting systems of SHINE and similar large-scale scientific facilities.
]]>Authors: Yiqi Zhao Chuiju Meng Yonghua Huang
The cooling effect from the para-ortho hydrogen conversion (POC) combined with a vapor-cooled shield (VCS) and multi-layer insulation (MLI) can effectively extend the storage duration of liquid hydrogen in cryogenic tanks. However, there is currently no effective and straightforward empirical correlation available for predicting the catalytic POC efficiency in VCS pipelines. This study focuses on the development of correlations for the catalytic conversion of para-hydrogen to ortho-hydrogen in pipelines, particularly in the context of cryogenic hydrogen storage systems. A model that incorporates the Langmuir adsorption characteristics of catalysts and introduces the concept of conversion efficiency to quantify the catalytic process’s performance is introduced. Experimental data were obtained in the temperature range of 141.9~229.9 K from a cryogenic hydrogen catalytic conversion facility, where the effects of temperature, pressure, and flow rate on the catalytic conversion efficiency were analyzed. Based on a validation against the experimental data, the proposed model offers a reliable method for predicting the cooling effects and optimizing the catalytic conversion process in VCS pipelines, which may contribute to the improvement of liquid hydrogen storage systems, enhancing both the efficiency and duration of storage.
]]>Authors: Jingjing Dai Chuanjun Huang
With the growth in global energy demand and increasing concern over the environmental issues associated with fossil fuels, magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) has gained widespread attention as a clean and sustainable energy solution. The superconducting magnet systems in MCF devices operate under liquid helium temperature of 4.2 K and strong magnetic fields, requiring structural materials to possess exceptional high strength, high toughness, and non-magnetic properties. This paper reviews recent research advances in cryogenic high-strength and high-toughness austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) for MCF devices, focusing on modified grades like 316LN and JK2LB used in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, as well as China’s CHN01 steel developed for the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) project. The mechanical properties at 4.2 K (including yield strength (Rp0.2), fracture toughness (K(J)Ic), and Elongation (e)), microstructural evolutions, weldability, and manufacturing challenges of these materials are systematically analyzed. Finally, the different technical approaches and achievements in material development among Japan, the United States, and China are compared, the current limitations of these materials in terms of weld integrity and manufacturability are discussed, and future research directions are outlined.
]]>Authors: Wang Yin Wenting Wu Weiye Yang Shaoshuai Liu Zhenhua Jiang Yinong Wu
As an important component of the Stirling-type pulse tube cryocooler (SPTC), an efficient phase shifter can significantly improve the cooling capacity. This paper combines the advantages of the cold inertance tube and reservoir (ITR) and the active warm displacer (AWD) in an 8 K Stirling-type pulse tube cryocooler. Through numerical simulation methods, the influence of structural parameters of the cold ITR and operating parameters of AWD on acoustic power and impedance was studied. The results indicate that the length and diameter of the inertance tube, as well as the displacement and phase of the AWD, will affect the distribution of PV power inside the middle heat exchanger. The impedance distribution inside the pulse tubes of the higher-temperature section and the lower-temperature section changes in opposite directions. Through experiment, the effectiveness of the cold ITR and the adjustment function of the AWD were verified. A cooling capacity of 74 mW at 8 K can be obtained with the electric power of 177.5 W and a precooling capacity of 9.1 W/70 K. The AWD has a significant adjustment effect on T1 and T2, reaching the lowest no-load temperature at 2.13 mm and 48°, respectively, with a minimum no-load temperature of 5.13 K.
]]>Authors: Zhongjun Hu
Professor Hong Chaosheng, as the founding figure and pioneer of China’s hydrogen and helium cryogenic technology, played a pivotal role in advancing this field from its inception to global competitiveness. This paper systematically reviews the seven-decade-long cryogenic research trajectory of the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS (formerly the Cryogenic Technology Experimental Center), with particular emphasis on milestone scientific achievements and their significant applications. In the 1960s, the Institute’s breakthrough in long-piston-expander-precooled helium liquefaction technology provided critical support for China’s space technology and superconductivity research. Since the 21st century, building upon Professor Hong’s academic legacy, the Institute has successively overcome core technological challenges in developing high-speed helium turbine expanders, high-efficiency oil-flooded screw compressors, and superfluid helium temperature refrigeration systems. These innovations have yielded a complete series of large-scale cryogenic equipment with independent intellectual property rights. These advancements have been successfully applied in national megaprojects such as neutron sources and superconducting magnet testing facilities, with some technical parameters reaching internationally leading standards. Looking ahead, with the rapid development of quantum computing and fusion energy, China’s hydrogen–helium cryogenic technology will continue to optimize equipment performance while expanding application frontiers through enhanced international collaboration, thereby making greater contributions to cutting-edge scientific research and clean energy development.
]]>Authors: Feng Feng Laifeng Li
Chaosheng Hong (1920–2018) was a research professor at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (TIPC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (Figure 1) [...]
]]>Authors: Qidong Zhang Yuan Ma Fushou Xie Liqiang Ai Shengbao Wu Yanzhong Li
This article uses FLUENT to construct a two-dimensional axisymmetric numerical model of a cryogenic hydrogen charging pipeline. By loading with initial temperature gradient and transient initial pressure disturbance, the basic characteristics of low-temperature hydrogen Taconis thermoacoustic oscillation are calculated, including temperature, heat flux density distribution, pressure amplitude, and frequency. The instability boundary of hydrogen TAO is also obtained. The results show that (1) the temperature distribution and flow characteristics of the gas inside the pipeline exhibit significant periodic changes. In the first half of the oscillation period, the cold-end gas moves towards the end of the pipeline. Low-viscosity cold hydrogen is easily heated and rapidly expands. In the second half of the cycle, the expanding cold gas pushes the hot-end gas to move towards the cold end, forming a low-pressure zone and causing gas backflow. (2) Thermoacoustic oscillation can also cause additional thermal leakage on the pipeline wall. The average heat flux during one cycle is 1150.1 W/m2 for inflow and 1087.7 W/m2 for outflow, with a net inflow heat flux of 62.4 W/m2. (3) The instability boundary of the system is mainly determined by the temperature ratio of the cold and hot ends α, temperature gradient β, and length ratio of the cold and hot ends ξ. Increasing the pipe diameter and minimizing the pipe length can effectively weaken the amplitude of thermoacoustic oscillations. This study provides theoretical support for predicting thermoacoustic oscillations in low-temperature hydrogen transport pipeline systems and offers insights for system stability control and design verification.
]]>Authors: Jian Yang Yanzhong Li
The excessive use of fossil fuels could bring about a global environmental crisis. Transitioning from a carbon-based to a hydrogen-based economy is an important way to realize the low-carbon energy transition. The key to this economy transformation lies in the efficient utilization of hydrogen. Hydrogen liquefaction is an efficient technology for the transportation and storage of hydrogen, and the liquid hydrogen produced is also a direct feedstock for many important fields. Large-scale liquefaction of hydrogen has not been commercialized due to its high energy consumption (>10 kWh/kgLH2) and low efficiency (<30%). However, conceptual designs for hydrogen liquefaction with a low energy consumption (about 6.4 kWh/kgLH2) and high efficiency (>40%) are frequently reported in the existing literature. Therefore, in this paper, the production process of liquid hydrogen is reviewed from three aspects, which are hydrogen pre-cooling, hydrogen cryo-cooling, and ortho-para hydrogen (OPH) conversion. The focus is to summarize effective and realistic hydrogen liquefaction schemes in the existing studies to provide process guidance for the subsequent practical production of liquid hydrogen. The development of open and closed refrigeration cycles for hydrogen pre-cooling is reviewed following the lead of pre-coolant types. The implementation methods of structural optimization of different hydrogen cryo-cooling cycles are clarified and the performance improvements achieved are compared. Different modes of OPH conversion are presented and their realization in simulation and practical applications is summarized. Finally, subjective recommendations are given regarding the content of the review.
]]>Authors: Konstantin I. Matveev Jacob W. Leachman
Using hydrogen as a working fluid in cryocoolers can potentially benefit cryocooling technologies and hydrogen liquefaction. Moreover, in flow-through thermoacoustic systems, hydrogen can be efficiently cooled and undergo ortho-parahydrogen isomeric conversion, which is important for the efficient storage of cryogenic hydrogen. A traveling-wave regenerator is analyzed in this study, using the thermoacoustic theory with a superimposed mean flow and an empirical correlation for hydrogen isomer conversion. A regenerator with hydrogen fluid is shown to achieve higher performance in comparison with helium as the working fluid. However, the hydrogen system performance degrades at supercritical pressures and subcritical temperatures in compressed liquid states. In regenerators with mean flow, using hydrogen as the working fluid leads to higher cooling powers and efficiencies, but helium systems are able to achieve colder temperatures.
]]>Authors: Ruiqi Wan Tenglong Yue Jingxuan Xu Wenjie Wu Xi Chen Binlin Dou
The cryogenic supercritical hydrogen storage system offers notable advantages including heightened hydrogen storage density and operation under relatively moderate conditions compared to conventional hydrogen storage methodologies. In this study, a cryogenic supercritical hydrogen storage system based on the multi-stage Joule–Brayton refrigeration cycle is presented, analyzed, and optimized. The proposed system employs a five-stage cascade cycle, each stage utilizes a distinct refrigerant, including propane, ethylene, methane, and hydrogen, facilitated by Joule–Brayton cycles, with expanders employed for mechanical work recovery, which is capable of effectively cooling hydrogen from ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure to a cryogenic supercritical state of −223.15 °C (50 K), 18,000 kPa, exhibiting a density of 73.46 kg/m3 and a hydrogen processing capacity of 2 kgH2/s. The genetic algorithm is applied to optimize 25 key parameters in the system, encompassing temperature, pressure, and flow rate, with the objective function is specific energy consumption. Consequently, the specific energy consumption of the system is 5.71 kWh/kgH2 with an exergy efficiency of 56.2%. Comprehensive energy analysis, heat transfer analysis, and exergy analysis are conducted based on the optimized system parameters, yielding insights crucial for the development of medium- and large-scale supercritical hydrogen storage systems.
]]>Authors: Zhaoyang Zheng Jiaqi Ma Jiaxin Hou Ziqiao Gong Junlong Xie Jianye Chen
The integration of more-electric technologies into aero-engines has revolutionized their multi-power architectures, substantially improving system maintainability and operational reliability. This advancement has established more-electric systems as a cornerstone of modern aerospace electrification research. Concurrently, liquid hydrogen (LH2) emerges as a transformative solution for next-generation power generation systems, particularly in enabling the transition from 100 kW to megawatt-class propulsion systems. Beyond its superior energy density, LH2 demonstrates dual functionality in thermal management: it serves as both an efficient coolant for power electronics (e.g., controllers) and a cryogenic source for superconducting motor applications. This study systematically investigates the electrification pathway for LH2-fueled aero-engine multi-electric systems. First, we delineate the technical framework, elucidating its architectural characteristics and associated challenges. Subsequently, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of three critical subsystems including LH2 storage and delivery systems, cryogenic cooling systems for superconducting motors, and Thermal management systems for high-power electronics. Finally, we synthesize current research progress and propose strategic directions to accelerate the development of LH2-powered more-electric aero-engines, addressing both technical bottlenecks and future implementation scenarios.
]]>Authors: Wei Wu Shaoqi Yang Hongyu Ren Xiujuan Xie
Reciprocating liquid hydrogen pumps are essential equipment for hydrogen refueling stations with liquid hydrogen stored. The valves play a crucial role in facilitating unidirectional flow and the pressurization of liquid hydrogen within the pump. This paper establishes a comprehensive numerical model to simulate the whole working cycle of a reciprocating liquid hydrogen pump. The influence of valve parameters and pump operating conditions on the motion characteristics of valves, including lift, closing lag angle, and impact velocity, is investigated. The results indicate that with the maximum lift of the suction valve at 10 mm and the discharge valve at 5 mm, the closing lag angle is minimal, and the impact velocity of the valve falls within an acceptable range. The optimal rotation speed range is between 200 and 300 rpm, within which both the closing lag angle and impact velocity of valves are minimized. Excessive maximum lift and low rotational speed lead to significant oscillations and high impact velocity in valve movement with the effects being more pronounced in the suction valve. The effects of the subcooling degree of inflow liquid hydrogen on the valve motion are further analyzed. The findings suggest that the subcooling degree of inflow liquid hydrogen helps inhibit the vaporization in the pump operation and ensures the valves work correctly. This work would contribute to pump optimization and valve collision failure analysis in reciprocating liquid hydrogen pumps.
]]>Authors: Feng Zhao Jingcheng Song Shiyao Peng Xiaobin Zhang
A balanced flowmeter not only inherits the advantages of orifice plate flowmeters but also stabilizes the flow field, reduces permanent pressure loss, and effectively increases the cavitation threshold. To perform an in-depth analysis of flow characteristics through the perforated plate and achieve performance optimization for the liquid hydrogen (LH2) measurement, a numerical calculation framework is established based on the mixture model, realizable turbulence closure, and Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model. The model is first evaluated through comparison with the liquid nitrogen (LN2) experimental results of a self-developed balanced flowmeter as well as the measuring setup. The flow coefficient and pressure loss coefficient are especially considered, and a comparison is made with the orifice plane considering cavitation and non-cavitation conditions. The cavitation cloud and temperature contours are also presented to illustrate the difference in the upper limit of the Re between water, LN2, and LH2 flow. The results show that compared to LN2 and water, LH2 has a larger cavitation threshold, indicating a wider range of Re number measurements.
]]>Authors: Mahdi Mahamed Seyyedmeysam Seyyedbarzegar
Despite the numerous benefits of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) power transformers, they are highly sensitive and vulnerable from a thermal perspective, particularly under fault current conditions due to their fault current tolerance properties. Ensuring the proper operation of the cooling system can enhance the transformer’s performance during fault and overload conditions. To improve the thermal management of this transformer in both convective heat transfer and nucleate boiling conditions, utilizing liquid nitrogen (LN2) nanofluid instead of conventional LN2 is a promising solution. In this study, a two-phase Eulerian model using ANSYS Fluent software is employed to analyze the impact of different volume fractions (VFs) of Al2O3 nanoparticles with a 40 nm diameter on the cooling performance of a power HTS transformer. The numerical simulations are conducted using the Ranz–Marshal method for heat transfer and the finite element method for solving the governing equations. Nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 0 to 1% are evaluated under various fault conditions. Additionally, the influence of nanoparticles on bubble behavior is examined, partially mitigating the blockage of cooler microchannels. The simulation reveals that adding nanoparticles to the fluid reduces the temperature of the hotspot by 29% in steady state and by 34–52% under different fault currents as a result of 0–46% enhancement of nucleate boiling heat transfer, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the transformer.
]]>Authors: Yanzhong Li
Cryogenics is an important branch of physics, representing a foundational field in modern science [...]
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