Hyperspace Pirate

Working on the next phase of my cryocooler project for liquifying nitrogen/air - this time using the joule-thompson effect for cooling. On the left is a 33 ft (10m) long insulated coaxial heat exchanger with a cold head sticking out at the bottom. On the right is a compressor and aftercooler taken from a 12K BTU portable air conditioner. Aiming for at least -150°C, but very possible that it could reach as far as -170°C.

2 years ago | [YT] | 1,487



@HyperspacePirate

BTW, this will use a combination of hydrocarbons that have a significantly higher joule-thompson coefficient and specific heat compared to air/pure nitrogen. A few people raised concerns about the extremely low efficiency, which is more of an issue when air/pure nitrogen is used. A mixed-hydrocarbon scheme can have an order of magnitude higher COP than air/N2 if optimized right. The only catch is that it typically only gets to maybe 90-100K minimum, so the air/nitrogen being liquified will have to be compressed to 10-20 atmospheres in the cold head.

2 years ago (edited) | 18

@bgoldpanda7265

The coolest series on YouTube 🧊

2 years ago | 12

@enotdetcelfer

This is probably the project with my highest interest at the moment... garage built cryocooler and all the experiments that lead up to it. Awesome!

2 years ago | 4

@dr.med.janschiefer7163

Watching you explore all aspects of cryogenic cooling is beautiful.

2 years ago | 3

@Imaboss8ball

There are superconductors that work at that temperature. Would be cool if you make some.

2 years ago | 5

@sowa705

Video when? I love this series

2 years ago | 5

@zeruzio1345

Things are in motion that cannot be undone, either we are reaching absolute zero or destroying an entire suburban block.

2 years ago | 2

@lspcie

Expectations are high (erm.. low)!

2 years ago | 2

@getuliomartins5005

I'm loving that "series" so much!

2 years ago | 3

@Nalisification

You might be able to use computer dusters as a source for a less flamable refrigerants.

2 years ago | 2

@randommaker439

Love everything you put out there…though I hope you eventually get back to submarine kayak!

2 years ago | 2

@spaceminions

I'm very interested in this project. Wonder what it will end up taking... Maybe vortex tube turbo expanding regeneratively cooled air precooled by your coldest refrigerant stage...

2 years ago | 2

@jeanladoire4141

That's the best series about a homemade advanced machine i've seen

2 years ago | 1

@Antek1234l

I never was a huge fan of thermodynamics, but I am enjoying this project

2 years ago (edited) | 58

@MrXrismix

Best project on YT at the moment i hope in the future to have the time and resources to follow along !

2 years ago | 1

@jameswiz

Is there a video out foe this yet? Really want to see you make this happen.

2 years ago | 2

@MasterIvo

maybe make your pipes like a bifilar coil, whereby the first loops are cooled by the last loops that are already cooler?

2 years ago | 1

@roberthercules3159

I'll second the recommendation to pre-chill your JT air from your existing 2-stage cascade system. Also, please, please, PLEASE use a good dessicant+CO2 scrubber column on the intake air!

2 years ago | 0

@m0rtifiedpenguin

This inspired me to make a secondary loop electric aircon for my cars

2 years ago (edited) | 1

@edude03

Really looking forward to the next video

2 years ago | 1