Zeitschrift für Elektrotechnik und Elektronik

Review of Moving Magnet Linear Oscillating Actuator for Linear Compressor Application

This paper overviews the recent developments and new topologies of single-phase moving magnet linear oscillating actuators (MMLOA). The key advantage of the MMLOA when compared with conventional LOA is the absence of screws, gears, and crankshaft mechanism which results in fewer mechanical parts, simple structure, easy fabrication, lower noise levels, and negligible frictional losses. The structural designs of alternative topologies are deliberated in detail and their relative merits, as well as demerits, are evaluated. Specific design issues, including pole and tooth number combinations, stroke length, magnet pole ratio, and split ratio are investigated.