The Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a powerful cryogenic compressor for a 2K (approximately –271 degrees Celsius) superfluid helium system. According to
Science and Technology Daily, a TV BRICS partner, this is the first system in China to achieve a cooling capacity of 1 kilowatt at this temperature.
2K is approximately minus 271 degrees Celsius, just two degrees above absolute zero. Under such conditions, superfluid helium exhibits zero viscosity and extremely high thermal conductivity, making it an indispensable coolant for large-scale scientific facilities such as superconducting accelerators, fusion devices and modern synchrotron radiation sources. The cryogenic compressor serves as the “heart” of superfluid helium cryogenic systems. For a long time, China has lacked such technology.
Drawing on decades of accumulated experience, the research team at the State Key Laboratory of Cryogenic Science and Technology has conducted full-cycle research into technologies such as aerodynamic design and magnetic bearings. In 2021, the team developed a complete manufacturing process for compressors with a power output of several hundred watts, achieving a cooling capacity of 500 watts at 2K.
On this occasion, the team focused on the requirements of the secondary cryogenic system for the China Spallation Neutron Source, increasing the cooling capacity to 1,000 watts. It is worth noting that this project also marks the first commercial application of a domestically produced cryogenic compressor, representing a crucial step from laboratory prototypes to mass production.
Looking ahead, the research and development (R&D) team plans to develop a series of modular products with power ranges from several hundred watts to several kilowatts. These products will feature functions such as automatic regulation, self-diagnosis and remote maintenance, thereby accelerating the realisation of self-reliance in cryogenic equipment utilising superfluid helium.