Linear compressor

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A linear compressor is a gas compressor where the piston moves along a linear track to minimize friction and reduce energy loss during conversion of motion. This technology has been successfully used in cryogenic applications which must be oil-less. The suspension spring can be flexure type or coil type. An oil-free valved linear compressor enables the design of compact heat exchangers.^[1] Linear compressors work similarly to a solenoid: by using a spring-loaded piston with an electromagnet connected to AC through a diode. The spring-loaded piston is the only moving part, and it is placed in the center of the electromagnet. During the positive cycle of the AC, the diode allows energy to pass through the electromagnet, generating a magnetic field that moves the piston backwards, compressing the spring, and generating suction. During the negative cycle of the AC, the diode blocks current flow to the electromagnet, letting the spring uncompress, moving the piston forward, and compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is then released by a valve.