Nonlinear Dynamics of an Oilless Linear Drive Reciprocating Compressor

Two modeling methodologies of the dynamics of a motor-compressor system are presented. The first approach considered only the mechanical system subjected to a sinusoidal input force with the pressure term in the equation of motion treated as a nonlinear stiffness term. The second methodology consisted of a mathematical model that couples the electromagnetic and thermodynamic equations to the dynamic equations that describe the motion of the piston. The mathematical model which consisted of a set of four first order simultaneous nonlinear time varying differential equations was solved by numerical integration routines that use the Adams-Moulton method with an adaptive integration step. The two methodologies are illustrated through an example. Steady-state operation was shown to be reached rapidly after a 0.13s transient. An analysis at various amplitudes and frequencies of the input voltage in the driver-coil of the motor showed the amplitude dependence of the natural frequency of the mechanical system, and a heavily damped system when operating at the design amplitude. The most efficient frequency of operation was also determined for a variety of required mass flow rates.