Linear Motor For Linear Compressor

In contrast to the conventional rotational compressors, the linear compressor is driven by a linear motor directly coupled with a piston. So the performance of the linear compressor is strongly dependent on the characteristics of the linear motor. In addition to high efficiency, the parameters of a linear motor should be nearly constant regardless of the amount of the current flow and position of the piston in order to control the position of piston without an additional sensor. And high reliability of the linear motors is required for use in compressor operated under severe conditions for long period. Several types of the linear motors are investigated to meet those requirements. A simple structure of moving magnet motor was designed for its high power density and efficiency. Analysis and experiments show the linear motor is reliable enough and has efficiency of more than 95%.