Analysis and Design of a Novel Outer Mover Moving Magnet Linear Oscillating Actuator for a Refrigeration System

Abstract

This article presents linear oscillating actuator (LOA) which generates bidirectional linear thrust force. Design topology of the proposed LOA contains an outer mover and an inner stator design. Two axially magnetized and tubular-shaped permanent magnets (PMs) are mounted on the mover. Due to the higher magnetic flux density of axially magnetized PMs in a specific direction, it generates higher thrust force than radially magnetized PMs. The proposed LOA operates on single-phase alternating source. All the design specifications of the LOA are optimized through finite element method (FEM) and optimum values of the design parameters are obtained. Output parameters such as the stroke length and thrust force are analyzed for multiple magnitudes of the input parameters such as current using FEM. Additionally, other parameters like back emf, coil current and winding resistance are analyzed at resonance. Effect of motor constant is investigated toward both directions of the force, which shows identical replication. Output parameters of the LOA are compared with already designed topologies of the LOA for refrigeration system. Proposed LOA demonstrates promising improvements in terms of motor constant and thrust force compared to the volume of the LOA. Moreover, proposed LOA is comparatively convenient to fabricate as well.