Model, Analysis, and Application of Tubular Linear Switched Reluctance Actuator for Linear Compressors

The tubular linear switched reluctance actuator (TLSRA) is presented in this paper to propel linear compressors with oscillatory motion. The proposed TLSRA possesses the advantages of higher force density and shorter magnetic flux paths in comparison with conventional LSRAs and are much more suitable for applications to reciprocating oscillation due to absence of any coils and magnets on the mover in comparison with linear actuators with moveable permanent magnets. The analytical expression of gap permeance is proposed for fast machine design and optimization. The designed thrust force characteristics are verified by finite-element analysis (FEA) and the experiment. The dynamic model of the linear compressor propelled by the proposed TLSRA is presented. The simulated and experimental results demonstrate that the developed TLSRA can be applied to linear oscillatory motion and that the developed linear compressor propelled by the proposed TLSRA is effective and feasible.