US Patent 6864647 Linear motor

The present invention provides an improved design of linear motor as well as an improved control strategy. The design allows for a shorted stator, where the armature magnets are controlled to reciprocate to a greater maximum displacement that for a equivalent conventional linear motor. The control strategy is such that a minimum of external sensors are required. The linear motor is driven at its resonant frequency ensuring optionally efficient operation. A determination of the maximum current is made based on a relationship with the resonant frequency and the evaporating temperature/pressure of the vapor entering the compressor. The current is then limited to control the maximum displacement to avoid damage.