Linear compressors for electronics cooling: Energy recovery and its benefits

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 35–100%.