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

To enhance the reliability of a newly designed reciprocating compressor applied in a domestic compressor, accelerated life tests were developed using new definitions of the sample size and the $B_1$ life index. In $1^{st}$ accelerated life testing, the compressor was locked due to the fracture of the suction reed valve. The failure modes and mechanisms of the suction reed valve in the accelerated tests were found to be similar to that of the failed product in the field. The root cause of the failure was the overlap between the suction reed valve and the valve plate in the suction port. The missing parameters in the design phase were modified by expanding the trespan size, introducing tumbling process, changing the material and thickness for the valve, introducing a ball peening and brushing process for the valve plate. In $2^{nd}$ accelerated life testing, the compressor was locked due to the interference between the crank shaft and thrust washer. The corrective plan was to heat treat the crank shaft. The $B_1$ life of the compressor improved from 1.5 to 12.9 years.