Improving the Reliability of a Reciprocating Compressor for Applications in a Refrigerator

Abstract

A failure analysis was conducted on a fractured suction reed valve in a newly designed reciprocating compressor applied in domestic refrigerators. To reproduce the failure modes of the reed valve, accelerated life tests were developed using new definitions of durability B1 life figure were applied. Using standard mass and energy conservation balances, key noise parameters such as a variety of loads were analyzed in a refrigeration cycles. The failure modes and mechanisms of the suction reed valve in the accelerated tests were found to be identical with that of the failed product in the field. The root cause was the overlap between the suction reed valve and the valve plate in the suction port. As a corrective action plan, the key controllable design parameters of the valve plate were modified by expanding the trespan size and introducing a ball peening and brushing process. The failure rate and B₁ life of the compressor now can be guaranteed as 0.06 percent per year and 12.9 years, respectively.