Usage and validation of a fluid structure interaction methodology for the study of different suction valve parameters of a hermetic reciprocating compressor

The dynamics of the flatter valves inside a hermetic reciprocating compressor used in household appliances is the most important factor concerning the gas dynamic behaviour of such a compressor. Hence for a good valve design and for a reliable simulation of the compressor the ability to predict the movement of the valves is indispensable. The present paper describes a methodology which allows the prediction of the valve dynamics. For the validation of the methodology the simulation results of the suction valve dynamics have been compared with experimental data obtained out of measurements with a Laser-Doppler-Vibrometer. Furthermore the method has been used for the variation of some suction valve parameters and their influence onto the overall compressor performance has been shown. The whole methodology has been implemented into a commercial available CFD code (FLUENT) as a user defined function (UDF).