Design and Analysis of Modular C-core Moving Magnet Linear Oscillating Actuator for Miniature Compressor Application

Abstract

This article presents a miniature tubular moving magnet linear oscillating actuator (MT-MMLOA) that operates on an electrodynamic actuation mechanism. The proposed linear oscillating actuator comprises of two main parts: the stator and the mover. In this topology, the stator assembly is composed of a modular C-core structure along with a separator to prevent flux cancellation, and the mover assembly accommodates axially magnetized permanent magnets (PMs) that contribute to high thrust force generation and present a less costly actuator compared to the conventional actuator design. The finite element analysis is performed and validated experimentally. Numerous linear oscillating actuator topologies proposed previously in the literature are compared with MT-MMLOA to analyze the electromagnetic performance. The results show that the motor constant, which is the performance parameter, is significantly increased from the conventional design. The PM volume is reduced, which is cost-effective. The overall volume of MT-MMLOA is also reduced due to reduction in PM volume, which is advantageous for compactness. Consequently, the proposed MT-MMLOA is simple in structure, less costly, and easy to fabricate.