A linear compressor is a gas compressor where the piston moves along a linear track to minimize friction and reduce energy loss during conversion of motion. This technology has been successfully used in cryogenic applications which must be oil-less. The suspension spring can be flexure type or coil type. An oil-free valved linear compressor enables the design of compact heat exchangers.[1] Linear compressors work similarly to a solenoid: by using a spring-loaded piston with an electromagnet connected to AC through a diode. The spring-loaded piston is the only moving part, and it is placed in the center of the electromagnet. During the positive cycle of the AC, the diode allows energy to pass through the electromagnet, generating a magnetic field that moves the piston backwards, compressing the spring, and generating suction. During the negative cycle of the AC, the diode blocks current flow to the electromagnet, letting the spring uncompress, moving the piston forward, and compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is then released by a valve.
A number of patents for linear compressors powered by free-piston engines were issued in the 20th century, including:
The first market introduction of a linear compressor to compress refrigerant in a refrigerator was in 2001.[3]
The single piston linear compressor uses dynamic counterbalancing, where an auxiliary movable mass is flexibly attached to a movable piston assembly and to the stationary compressor casing using auxiliary mechanical springs with zero vibration export at minimum electrical power and current consumed by the motor.[4] It is used in cryogenics.[4] Linear compressors are used as they have fewer mechanical losses.[5]
Linear compressors are made by LG and used in LG and Kenmore refrigerators. Linear compressors were also announced by Embraco.[6] [7] Compressors of this type have less noise, and are more energy efficient than conventional refrigerator compressors. The Embraco linear compressors are also claimed to be oil-free. In the 2010s and 2020s, multiple lawsuits in the United States alleged that the LG compressors had a high rate of failure or lack of expected cooling. As of 2024, there were settlements[8] and ongoing cases.[9]