Abstract
To develop a highly efficient compressor, it is necessary to reduce the friction loss of the sliding surfaces. In this study, we focused on the friction loss of the thrust bearing and developed an improved thrust bearing structure with a micro texture for reciprocating compressors in refrigerator. This paper presents experimental and numerical results of the friction characteristic of the thrust bearings. The friction loss of the developed thrust bearing was 20–60 % lower than that of the current design at an elemental friction test. The input power of a compressor with the developed thrust bearing was 1.4 % lower than that of a compressor with a conventional thrust bearing.
