System for converting cryocooled refrigeration platforms to cryogenic plant-based cooling

Abstract

Embodiments are directed to a system for retrofitting a cooling system that includes an interface module configured to be installed in a refrigerator, comprising an inlet connection, outlet connection, and heat exchange vessel, along with an inlet line connecting the interface module to a coolant plant, and a return line connecting the interface module to the coolant plant.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 an interface module configured to be installed in a refrigerator;   an inlet line connecting the interface module to a coolant plant; and   a return line connecting the interface module to at least one of the coolant plant or a vent.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an inlet connection configured to connect to the inlet line; and 
 an outlet connection configured to connect to the return line. 
 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the inlet connection comprises a bayonet inlet connection, and the outlet connection comprises a bayonet outlet connection. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface module further comprises:
 a vacuum flange. 
 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface module further comprises:
 a heat exchanger vessel. 
 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the heat exchanger vessel further comprises:
 a heat exchanging surface; and 
 a heat exchanger coil. 
 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the heat exchanging surface comprises:
 a plurality of heat exchanger fins. 
 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface module comprises a liquid helium interface module. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the interface module comprises a liquid nitrogen interface module. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the liquid nitrogen interface module is configured to operate with gaseous helium between 30-100 Kelvin. 
     
     
         11 . A cooling system comprising:
 a two stage cryocooler;   a first interface module installed in one stage of the two stage cryocooler;   a second interface module installed in another stage of the two stage cryocooler;   a first inlet line connecting the first interface module to a first coolant source;   a second inlet line connecting the second interface module to a second coolant source;   a first return line connecting the first interface module to at least one of the first coolant source or a vent; and   a second return line connecting the second interface module to the second coolant source.   
     
     
         12 . The cooling system of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a first inlet connection configured to connect to the first inlet line; 
 a first outlet connection configured to connect to the first return line; 
 a second inlet connection configured to connect to the second inlet line; and 
 a second outlet connection configured to connect to the second return line. 
 
     
     
         13 . The cooling system of  claim 12  wherein each of the first inlet connection and second inlet connection comprises bayonet inlet connections, and each of the first outlet connection and second outlet connection comprise a bayonet outlet connections. 
     
     
         14 . The cooling system of  claim 11  wherein the first interface module further comprises:
 a vacuum flange. 
 
     
     
         15 . The cooling system of  claim 11  wherein the second interface module further comprises:
 a heat exchanger vessel. 
 
     
     
         16 . The cooling system of  claim 15  wherein the heat exchanger vessel further comprises:
 a heat exchanging surface; 
 a heat exchanger coil; and 
 a plurality of heat exchanger fins. 
 
     
     
         17 . The cooling system of  claim 11  wherein the second interface module comprises a liquid helium interface module. 
     
     
         18 . The cooling system of  claim 11  wherein the first interface module comprises a liquid nitrogen interface module. 
     
     
         19 . The cooling system of  claim 18  wherein the liquid nitrogen interface module is configured to operate with gaseous helium between 30-100 Kelvin. 
     
     
         20 . A retrofit dilution refrigerator comprising:
 a two stage cryocooler;   a first interface module installed in one stage of the two stage cryocooler, the first interface module comprising a liquid nitrogen interface module;   a second interface module installed in another stage of the two stage cryocooler, the second interface module comprising a liquid helium interface module;   a first inlet line connecting the first interface module to a liquid nitrogen source;   a second inlet line connecting the second interface module to a liquid helium source;   a first return line connecting the first interface module to at least one of the liquid nitrogen source or a vent; and   a second return line connecting the second interface module to the liquid helium source.