Numerical analysis of the piston secondary dynamics in reciprocating compressors

In this study, a numerical analysis for the piston secondary dynamics of small refrigeration reciprocating compressors is performed. In general, the length of cylinder in this class of compressors is shortened to diminish the frictional losses of the piston-cylinder system. So, the contacting length between piston and cylinder wall is in variable with the rotating crank angle around the BDC of the reciprocating piston. In the problem formulation of the piston dynamics, the variation in bearing length of the piston and all corresponding forces and moments are considered in order to determine the piston trajectory, velocity and acceleration at each step. A Newton-Raphson procedure was employed in solving the secondary dynamic equations of the piston. The developed computer program can be used to calculate the entire piston trajectory and the lubrication characteristics as functions of crank angle under compressor running conditions. The results explored the effects of some design parameters and operating conditions on the stability of the piston, the oil leakage, and friction losses.