Morphing Air Conditioner into Autocascade System

[mytekcontrols]

So it works

To be clear to all that may read this... These results are from nearly a year ago, and pertain to the 3rd prototype in the "AC" series units, a project that I have for the most part abandoned.

Any load figures yet?

No I never did set-up a way to actually load the evaporator on this unit, so the test results shown were just based on an estimated static heat load of approximately 25-30 watts (1/4"id x 2' Feed & Return flex lines w/1.5" thick insulation, solid machined copper vacuum insulated cold head --- see images below).

And have you considered Methane to replace R14/Argon?

Yes and no. But I would first have to get my hands on some, which in my case means spending some $$$. And on my next prototype (AC-4) I plan to go back to a non-flammable charge based predominately on HFC's.

Michael, what hardware and software did you use to monitor/data log all of your thermal couples on the AC-2 project?
It looks like a Measurement Computing, but I wasn't sure.

Sgrios you are correct on the hardware, and semi correct on the software. My brother wrote a chart recorder application in Delphi using the Measurement Computing supplied drivers, which was far superior to the TracerDAQ program that comes with the USB-TC hardware.

Can't beat it when it comes to a fairly inexpensive way to accurately monitor 8 thermocouples down into the cryogenic range.

Images of AC-3 unit's flex lines, cold head, and unit connection: