Abstract: “To enhance the lifetime of a newly designed reciprocating compressor in a refrigerator, parametric accelerated life testing (ALT) were developed using new definitions of the sample size equation and the B1 life index. In 1st ALT, 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 design faults in the design phase were modified by the trespan size, tumbling process, the material and thickness for the valve, a ball peening and brushing process for the valve plate. In 2nd ALT, compressor was locked due to the interference between the crank shaft and thrust washer. The corrective plan was to give heat treat the surface of crank shaft. During the third ALT, there were no problems. The B1 life of the com”

Keywords: reciprocating compressor, lifetime design, load analysis, sample size equation, parametric accelerated life testing