Abstract
A comprehensive model of a linear compressor for electronics cooling was previously presented by Bradshaw et al. (2011) then enhanced and used for a sensitivity analysis of the leakage gap, eccentricity, and piston geometry by Bradshaw et al. (2013). The current work utilizes the previously developed model to explore the energy recovery characteristics of a linear compressor as compared to those of a reciprocating compressor. The impact of dead (clearance) volume on both a linear and reciprocating compressor is analyzed. In contrast to a reciprocating compressor the overall isentropic efficiency of the linear compressor remains relatively unaffected by an increase in dead volume up to a certain point. This behavior is attributed to the ability of the linear compressor to recapture the energy of the compressed gas during the expansion process. This characteristic behavior allows a linear compressor to be used for efficient capacity control from roughly 35e100%.
Keywords
linear compressor, reciprocating compressor, capacity control, electronics cooling
Date of this Version
2013
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2013.02.002
Published in:
C. R. Bradshaw, E. A. Groll, and S. V. Garimella, “Linear Compressors for Electronics Cooling: Energy Recovery and the Useful Benefits,” International Journal of Refrigeration, Vol. 36, pp. 2007-2013, 2013.