Current research projects

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Image Ionocaloric cooling
Image Low temperature – test facilities
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Image Development of a Cryogenic Magnetic Air Separation Unit
Image Development of test methods and test rigs for stationary integrated refrigeration units
Image Cold meter
Image Test procedures for electrical components
Image Heat2Power
Image Software for test rigs
Image Innovative Parahydrogen Generator Based on Magnets
Image Certifiable connection types in cryogenics
Image Investigation of coolants

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Low Temperature Tribology

Industry and R&D

Dipl.-Ing. Gunar Schroeder

+49-351-4081-5129

Tribological studies at cryogenic temperatures

For special applications at cryogenic temperatures the use of dry friction is necessary because the working temperatures are significant lower than the working range of liquid lubricants.

The ILK Dresden has extensive experience in the field of material testing at cryogenic temperatures and has developed a measuring system (from roomtemperature down to cryogenic temperatures) to determine the roughness and the coefficient of friction of different sliding material combinations.

The test stand consists of an experimental platform and a traversing mechanism with a force sensor, which is controlled via PC. The direct measurement of the friction force is carried out by the distance covered. Measurements can be performed down to −196 °C (lower temperatures on request). The cooling of the experimental platform and the samples is realised by a controlled liquid nitrogen heat exchanger/evaporator. Measurements are performed under an atmosphere of gaseous nitrogen to prevent the ingress of moisture. Thereby the experimental samples have no direct contact to liquid nitrogen. The uniform temperature distribution is measured by thermocouples, which are calibrated at the ILK Dresden.

Advantages: modular test setup which can be changed to specific requirements; adjustment of sample geometry and/or test track is possible.

Parameter

Measuring accuracyMeasuring range 0.4 N to 2 N≤ 1 % of measured value
Measuring range 2 N to 100 N≤ 0.5 % of measured value
Measuring range extendible up to 5 kN

Repeatability
(e.g. PTFE)

± 0.05 N respectively 1.5 % of coefficient of friction

Your Request

Further Projects

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Software for technical building equipment

Design cooling load and energetic annual simulation (VDI 2078, VDI 6007, VDI 6020)

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Measurements on ceiling mounted cooling systems

Comparative performance measurement

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Micro fluidic expansion valve

for increasing of the efficiency of small and compact cooling units

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Solar Cooling

Solar Cooling with Photovoltaic

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Hydrogen and methane testing field at the ILK

Simultaneously pressures up to 1,000 bar, temperatures down to –253°C