Compressor-based ULT freezers follow the same principles as home refrigerators, but this setup comes with several disadvantages that can impact their performance and reliability.
Primary concerns are the wear and tear on the moving parts, which require regular maintenance and can lead to failures and repairs over time, leading to higher operational costs. High energy consumption during frequent start-stop cycles raises utility bills and can cause temperature fluctuations that jeopardize the integrity of sensitive samples. Plus, they’re noisy.
So what’s the alternative?
You remove the compressors. The result: free-piston Stirling engines, found in all three Stirling Ultracold ULT models, can be compared to an air hockey table. Much like how a puck glides effortlessly on a cushion of air, the Stirling engine’s piston is supported by gas bearings, creating a near-frictionless environment. Having only two moving parts without friction means no wear and tear, no need for oil or lubrication, no clogs, and less ongoing maintenance. And that’s only the beginning of the list of benefits.
From surprising origins to standout features, our free-piston design is a testament to Stirling Ultracold’s aim of making the best ULT freezer.
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Read about our legacy of Stirling engine innovation.