Design and implementation of an improved chilled water glycol system for NICI array electronics thermal enclosure

Gaston Gausachs

doi:10.1117/12.790103

9 July 2008 Design and implementation of an improved chilled water glycol system for NICI array electronics thermal enclosure

Gaston Gausachs

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II; 70146S (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790103
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

The Near Infrared Chronographic Imager (NICI) being commissioned at Gemini was upgraded with a more powerful Chilled Water Glycol System to address early overheating problems. The previous system was replaced with a completely new design favoring improved airflow and increased heat transfer capabilities. The research leading to this upgrade showed a significant lack of cooling power of the original design. The solution was a combination of commercial heat exchanger and fans and a custom built enclosure. As a prime infrared telescope facility, Gemini is very much interested in maintaining the least amount of heat dissipated to the ambient air. The results obtained through the implementation of this solution will be helpful in understanding the state of other existing electronics enclosures as well as those for new instruments to come. With the advent of electronic intensive AO systems, future electronics enclosures must take full advantage of improved cooling. This paper describes the design and implementation phases of the project. The results under maximum operating capacity proved to be within the expected theoretical values and were deemed successful.

Citation Download Citation

Gaston Gausachs "Design and implementation of an improved chilled water glycol system for NICI array electronics thermal enclosure", Proc. SPIE 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II, 70146S (9 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790103

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