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A novel linear drive for next‐generation reciprocating vapor compressors
Author(s) -
Howe David,
Wang Jiabin
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
ieej transactions on electrical and electronic engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.254
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1931-4981
pISSN - 1931-4973
DOI - 10.1002/tee.20300
Subject(s) - reciprocating compressor , gas compressor , refrigerator car , piston (optics) , cooling capacity , reciprocating motion , automotive engineering , linear motor , mechanical engineering , control theory (sociology) , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering , physics , control (management) , wavefront , artificial intelligence , optics
This article describes a single‐phase linear drive that has been developed for refrigerator compressor applications, and which incorporates various novel features. It employs a tubular, moving‐magnet, Halbach magnetized motor, which enables the piston stroke to be accurately controlled by regulating the input current, while the electrical supply frequency is automatically adjusted to track changes in the mechanical resonant frequency of the compressor system. In this way, the refrigerator cooling capacity can be continuously modified according to the demand and the compressor always operates at maximum efficiency. This results in significant energy savings compared with fixed‐stroke, fixed‐frequency compressors. The performance capability is demonstrated by measurements from a prototype drive and compressor system. © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.