REPRESENTATIVE THERMAL SYSTEM PROJECTS
Thermal analysis of biotechnology instrument
Analysis and testing support of electronic equipment to maintain human
cell cultures and nutrients at specified 
temperatures. The temperature of the
incubator was controlled to 37°C and the refrigerated nutrient storage
temperature was also controlled. The client considers additional details to be
proprietary. The photograph shows Doug Werner adjusting the gas flow
controls which Douglas Engineering also engineered.
Superconducting wireless communications.
Design and engineering of a cryocooler for cooling superconducting
thin-film electronic filters used in cellular and 
Personal Communication Service
(PCS) wireless base stations. The equipment is mounted on cellular and PCS base
station towers to increase receiver sensitivity and selectivity thereby allowing
increased cell site coverage and improved call clarity. Responsibilities
included thermal, structural, and fluid flow analysis and mechanical design
using thermodynamic calculations performed by others. Two new required
manufacturing processes were developed concurrently with the design thereby
reducing total development cost and schedule. This orifice pulse tube cryocooler
provides over 5 watts refrigeration at 80oK (-320oF) while rejecting heat to
cooling air. The photograph shows the engineering-test unit operating in
air covered with frost.
Refrigerant evaluation and selection.
Thermodynamic evaluation and selection of commercially available
refrigerants for a thermosyphon heat rejection system for a nitrogen liquefier.
Evaluation criteria included heat transfer coefficients, environmental
regulation compliance, operating pressures, cost, and availability of skilled
service technicians. Pure refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures were evaluated.
The liquid nitrogen cools Meissner-effect bearings supporting a high-speed
flywheel energy storage system.
Alternative energy.
Technical and economic evaluation of innovative alternative energy
engine for low exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption application. The
client considers the details proprietary.
World land speed record.
Thermal analysis and rating of the boiler for the steam turbine powered
car that set the World Land Speed record for steam cars at 145.607 mph in August
1985 breaking the longest-standing speed record set in 1906.