Types of refrigerators and their cooling systems. Technical secrets: how modern refrigerators work inside

Let's look at the design of a compression-type refrigerator and how it works.

All refrigerator parts:

Compressor;

Capacitor;

Evaporator;

Capillary tube or TEV (thermal expansion valve);

The tubes for their connection have a closed, sealed system.

Freon is pumped into each refrigerator system. Freon is a refrigerant that transfers heat from the inside of the refrigerator to the environment. When the compressor is running, it creates a pressure of several atmospheres, compressing the freon, pushing it into the condenser, where it cools. In the condenser, the freon begins to cool and changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state. A filter drier is soldered to the condenser, and a capillary tube is soldered to the filter. The filter serves to trap solid particles and moisture in the system (if any). Freon enters the evaporator through a thin capillary tube. In the evaporator, freon begins to actively boil and the chamber begins to cool. And the whole cycle will repeat again many times.

Today, the operation of any Atlant, Indesit, Samsung or Liebherr household refrigerator is based on this principle.

Why you shouldn't repair your refrigerator yourself

Without certain knowledge, it is better not to go in and disassemble the refrigerator. It’s almost impossible to do it yourself without a special tool. Such repairs can lead to a more serious malfunction and you definitely won’t be able to save money here. For repairs you need: a burner, a freon bottle, a vacuum pump, solder, etc. Agree, it won’t be difficult for a refrigerator technician to make repairs. And if you are planning to refill freon yourself, you will need to spend about 15 thousand. rubles just to buy the necessary tools! And you definitely won’t save on repairs - that’s a fact!

Entrust refrigerator repair to professionals - call us!

The device of a household refrigerator consists of several parts:

The figure shows the structure of a two-chamber household refrigerator with one compressor. The refrigerator compartment is a crying evaporator. Freezer - without "No Frost".

Design of a two-chamber refrigerator with one compressor

Discharge pipeline
Capacitor
Capillary tube

November 23 2005

The refrigerator is a fairly reliable unit. If the refrigerator did not have manufacturing defects, or you were able to identify them and eliminate them during the warranty period, it will work without repair for at least five to seven years, and individual copies with proper care can last much longer (see). In order to repair a refrigerator yourself, you need to imagine its structure:

Now that we have become familiar with the structure of the refrigerator, we suggest the following sequence of actions:

Try to determine the problem. In the vast majority of cases, this is not difficult by following the troubleshooting instructions.
If possible, repair it yourself. A person familiar with the structure of the refrigerator and possessing a minimum set of tools is able to eliminate most malfunctions not related to depressurization of the system.
If self-repair is not possible, choose a company, decide on the cost of repairs and call a specialist.
Upon completion of the repair, follow the recommendations for operating the refrigerator.

2. Diagnosis of refrigerator malfunctions.

Sequence of actions to identify a failed part and recommendations for repair. For compressor refrigerators without No Frost system.

Check the voltage in the outlet, it should be in the range of 200-240 Volts, if this is not the case, the refrigerator is not required to work (although it may work for some time, especially older models.)
All repair work must be carried out with the refrigerator unplugged and defrosted!
The refrigerator does not turn on.
A) Check if the light inside the refrigerator is on; if it used to be on, but now it’s off, there is a fault in the power cord or electrical plug (this is a fairly common problem and it is not necessary to call a refrigerator repairman to fix it).
b) If the light comes on, the first thing you need to do is check the thermostat:
We find two wires suitable for the thermostat, remove them from the terminals and connect them together. If
After this, the refrigerator will work - we change the thermostat and the repair is complete.
V) If the thermostat is working properly. We check the refrigerator defrost button in the same way.
G) For further diagnosis you will need an ohmmeter. We disconnect and ring the starting and protective relay (they can be assembled in one housing); if we find a break, we replace the defective part.
d) The only thing left is the electric motor of the motor-compressor; it is difficult to replace it without the participation of a specialist, but since we’ve already gotten to it, it’s worth finding out what exactly the fault is. This unit may have three defects:
Winding break;
- interturn short circuit of the winding;
- short circuit to the motor-compressor housing;
How to identify them is generally clear: all three contacts of the electric motor should ring with each other and not ring with the housing. If the resistance between any two contacts is less 20 ohm-this may indicate an interturn short circuit.
e) If you carefully followed the previous steps and did not find a malfunction, this most likely indicates oxidation of the contacts in one of the connections in the electrical circuit of the refrigerator. Carefully inspect and clean all the contact groups that you disassembled, restore the refrigerator circuit in the reverse order - the refrigerator should work.
The refrigerator starts but turns off after a few seconds.
A) Defect in the bimetallic plate 11.1 of the protective relay: we determine the fault and replace the part.
b) Defect of the coil (or other current sensor) 12.1 of the starting relay: we determine the malfunction and replace the part.
V) Break in the starting winding of electric motor 1.2: we determine the malfunction and call a refrigerator repairman to replace the motor-compressor.
The refrigerator works, but does not freeze.
A) Freon leakage: It is determined as follows - if the compressor is running and the amount of freon is normal, the condenser should heat up, touch it with your hand (be careful, it can heat up to 70 degrees), if after prolonged operation of the engine it remains cold, then the system is depressurized. We disconnect the refrigerator from the network and call a technician.
b) Violation of thermostat adjustment. The device can be temporarily replaced with a known good one; if the refrigerator operates normally, send the faulty thermostat for adjustment.
V)
The refrigerator does not freeze well
A) The thermostat is not adjusted properly. The device can be temporarily replaced with a known good one; if the refrigerator operates normally, send the faulty thermostat for adjustment.
b) The rubber seal on the refrigerator door has lost its shape and elasticity. If the door does not close tightly, warm air will enter the refrigerator, the temperature regime will not be maintained and the motor-compressor will work with increased load. Carefully inspect the seal; if it is defective, replace it. (see also next point)
V) The refrigerator door was moving. The door geometry is adjusted by changing the tension of two diagonal rods located under the door panel. For more information on how to adjust the door, see eliminating cracks in refrigerator doors
G) Reduced performance of the motor-compressor. This is a difficult fault to diagnose, call a technician
The refrigerator is very cold
A) If the refrigerator turns off from time to time, but the temperature in it is too low, turn the thermostat knob slightly counterclockwise, if this does not help, see.
b) The fast freeze button is forgotten in the pressed position - turn it off.

3. Tips for using the refrigerator

Many malfunctions that subsequently lead to expensive repairs of the refrigerator arise as a result of improper operation of the unit. Here are some simple tips:

A) If the refrigerator has been turned off for any reason, wait five minutes before turning it on again. This process can be automated

b) If the refrigerator has been defrosted, do not load it with food until it runs empty for one cycle and turns off.

V) Do not set the thermostat indicator further than the middle of the scale; this will not give a significant gain in temperature, and the engine will work under strain.

G) On some refrigerators, in the depths of the refrigerator compartment (on the back wall) there is a “crying evaporator”. Do not lean food against it and do not forget to clean the water drain located underneath it.

d) When defrosting the refrigerator, it is unacceptable to pick out the ice using hard objects; defrost only with warm water.

e) Some refrigerators have a “quick freeze” button (usually yellow), this button closes the contacts of the thermostat and the engine runs without turning off. Don't forget this button is pressed.

and) Do not store vegetable oil in the refrigerator, the oil does not need it, and the rubber of the refrigerator door seal loses its elasticity.

h) Do not place the refrigerator near heating appliances.

A clear understanding of the structure and the processes occurring inside the refrigeration unit helps to extend the service life and ensure safe operation of the equipment in everyday life. It is not difficult to understand the principle of operation of a refrigerator.

In any model, it consists in the formation of a cold environment by absorbing heat in the interior of the object and its subsequent transfer outside the device.

Refrigeration equipment is used in many fields of activity. You cannot do without it in everyday life and it is impossible to imagine the full-fledged work of production workshops at enterprises, trading floors, and public catering establishments.

Depending on the intended purpose and area of application, there are several main types of devices: absorption, vortex, thermoelectric and compressor. The last type is the most common, so we will consider it in detail in the next section.

Functioning of absorption technology

In the system of absorption-type installations, two substances circulate - the refrigerant and the absorbent. The functions of the refrigerant are usually performed by ammonia, less often - acetylene, methanol, freon, or lithium bromide solution.

The absorbent is a liquid that has sufficient absorption capacity. This can be sulfuric acid, water, etc.

The entire operation of the equipment is based on the principle of absorption, which implies the absorption of one substance by another. The design consists of several leading units - evaporator, absorber, condenser, control valves, generator, pump

The elements of the system are connected by tubes, with the help of which a single closed circuit is formed. Cooling of the chambers occurs due to thermal energy.

The process is carried out as follows:

the refrigerant dissolved in the liquid penetrates the evaporator;
ammonia vapor boiling at 33 degrees is released from the concentrated solution, cooling the object;
the substance passes into the absorber, where it is again absorbed by the absorbent;
the pump pumps the solution into a generator heated by a specific heat source;
the substance boils and the ammonia vapor released goes into the condenser;
the refrigerant cools and turns into liquid;
the working fluid passes through the control valve, is compressed and sent to the evaporator.

As a result, ammonia circulating in a closed circuit takes heat from the cooled chamber and enters the evaporator. And it releases it to the external environment while in the capacitor. The loops play continuously.

Since the unit cannot be turned off, it is not very economical and has increased energy consumption. If such equipment fails, it will most likely not be possible to repair it.

The dependence of absorption devices on changes in voltage, current and other parameters of the electrical network is minimal. Compact dimensions make it easy to install them in any convenient area

There are no bulky moving or rubbing elements in the design of the devices, so they have a low noise level.

The devices are relevant for buildings whose electrical network is subject to constant peak loads, and places where there is no constant power supply.

The principle of absorption is implemented in industrial refrigeration units, small refrigerators for cars and office premises. Sometimes it is found in certain household models that run on natural gas.

Operating principle of thermoelectric models

Reducing the temperature in the chamber of a thermoelectric device is achieved using a special system that pumps out heat according to the Peltier effect.

It involves the absorption of heat in the area where two different conductors are connected when an electric current passes through it.

The design of refrigerators consists of cube-shaped thermoelectric elements made of metals. They are combined by one electrical circuit. As current moves from one element to another, heat also moves.

The aluminum plate absorbs it from the internal compartment and then transfers it to the cubic working parts, which in turn redirect it to the stabilizer.

There, thanks to a fan, it is thrown out. Portable cooler bags work on this principle.

In most models of thermoelectric refrigeration appliances, when switching the power polarity, you can receive not only cold, but also heat - up to 60 degrees Celsius. This function is used to reheat food

The equipment is used in the camping industry, in cars and motor boats, and is often installed in cottages and other places where it is possible to provide the device with a 12 V power supply.

Thermoelectric products have a special emergency mechanism that turns them off in the event of overheating of working parts or failure of the ventilation system.

The advantages of this method of operation include high reliability and a fairly low noise level during operation of the devices. Disadvantages include high cost and sensitivity to external temperatures.

Features of equipment on vortex coolers

Devices in this category have a compressor. It compresses the air, which further expands in the installed vortex cooler units. The object cools due to the sudden expansion of compressed air.

Vortex devices are durable and safe: they do not require electricity, have no moving elements, and do not contain hazardous chemical compounds in the internal design system

The vortex cooler method was not widely used, but was limited to test samples only.

This is due to high air consumption, very noisy operation and relatively low cooling capacity. Sometimes devices are used in industrial enterprises.

Detailed overview of compressor technology

Compressor refrigerators are the most common type of equipment in everyday life. They are found in almost every home - they do not consume too much energy and are safe to use.

The most successful models from reliable manufacturers have served their owners for more than 10 years. Let's consider the structure and principles by which compressor household appliances operate.

Equipment design features

A classic household refrigerator is a vertically oriented cabinet equipped with one or two doors. Its body is made of rigid sheet steel with a thickness of about 0.6 mm or durable plastic, which reduces the weight of the supporting structure.

For high-quality sealing of the product, a paste with a high content of vinyl chloride resin is used. The surface is primed and covered with high-quality enamel from spray guns.

In the production of internal metal compartments, the so-called stamping method is used; plastic cabinets are made using the vacuum molding method.

The doors of the device consist of steel sheets. A thick rubber seal is inserted along the edges to prevent outside air from passing through. Magnetic shutters are built into some modifications

A layer of thermal insulation must be laid between the inner and outer walls of the product, which protects the chamber from heat trying to penetrate from the environment and prevents the loss of the cold generated inside.

Mineral or glass felt, polystyrene foam, and polyurethane foam are well suited for these purposes.

The internal space is traditionally divided into two functional zones: refrigeration and freezing.

According to the shape of the layout, they are distinguished:

one-;
two-;
multi-chamber devices.

Aggregates are highlighted as a separate type Side-by-Side, including two cameras.

Single-chamber units are equipped with one door. In the upper part of the equipment there is a freezer compartment with its own door with a folding or opening mechanism, in the lower part there is a refrigeration compartment with height-adjustable shelves.

Lighting equipment with an LED or incandescent lamp is installed in the cells.

Devices made of the “side-by-side” type are much larger and wider than their counterparts. Both compartments occupy space along the entire height of the equipment. They are located parallel to each other

In two-chamber units, the internal cabinets are insulated and each separated by its own door. The location of departments in them can be European or Asian. The first option assumes a lower layout of the freezer, the second - an upper one.

Components of the unit

Compressor-type refrigeration units do not produce cold. They cool an object by absorbing internal heat and transferring it out.

The cold formation procedure involves the following components:

refrigerant;
capacitor;
evaporative radiator;
compressor apparatus;
thermostatic valve.

In the role refrigerant, which is used to fill the refrigerator system, is most often freon - a mixture of gases with a high level of fluidity and rather low boiling/evaporation temperatures.

It moves along a closed circuit, transferring heat through different parts of the cycle.

In most cases, manufacturers use Freon 12 as a working element for home refrigeration machines. This colorless gas with a barely perceptible specific odor is not toxic to humans and does not affect the taste and properties of products stored in the chambers

Compressor- the central part of the design of any refrigerator. This is an inverter or linear motor that provokes forced circulation of gas in the system, increasing pressure. Simply put, it compresses freon vapors and forces them to move in the desired direction.

The equipment can be equipped with one or two compressors. Vibrations arising during operation are absorbed by external or internal suspension. In dual-compression models, a separate device is responsible for each chamber.

The classification of compressors provides two subtypes:

Dynamic. Forces the refrigerant to move due to the force of movement of the blades of a centrifugal or axial fan. It has a simple structure, but due to low efficiency and rapid wear under the influence of torque, it is rarely used in household equipment.
Volume. It compresses the working fluid using a special mechanical device that is driven by an electric motor. It can be piston or rotary. Mostly, these are the compressors installed in refrigerators.

Piston apparatus presented in the form of an electric motor with a vertical shaft, enclosed in a solid metal casing. When the start relay connects power, it activates the crankshaft and the piston attached to it begins to move.

A system of opening and closing valves is connected to the work. As a result, freon vapor is drawn out of the evaporator and pumped into the condenser.

If a piston compressor breaks down, repairs are only possible if specialized professional equipment is used. Any disassembly in a domestic environment is fraught with loss of tightness and the impossibility of further operation

In rotary mechanisms, the required pressure is maintained by two rotors moving towards each other.

Freon enters the upper pocket located at the beginning of the shafts, is compressed and exits through the lower hole of a small diameter. To reduce friction, oil is introduced into the space between the shafts.

Capacitors are made in the form of a coil grid, which is mounted on the rear or side wall of the equipment.

They have different designs, but are always responsible for the same task: cooling hot gas vapors to set temperatures by condensing the substance and dissipating heat in the room. They can be panel or ribbed-tubular.

The evaporator consists of a thin aluminum pipeline and welded steel plates. It contacts the internal compartments of the refrigerator, effectively removes absorbed heat from the appliance and significantly reduces the temperature in the cabinets

Thermostatic valve needed in order to maintain the pressure of the working fluid at a certain level. Large units of the unit are connected to each other by a system of tubes forming a hermetically sealed closed ring.

Work cycle sequence

The optimal temperature for long-term storage of food in compression devices is created during operating cycles, carried out one after another.

They proceed as follows:

when the device is connected to the electrical network, the motor-compressor starts, compressing freon vapors, synchronously increasing their pressure and temperature;
under the force of excess pressure, the hot working fluid, which is in a gaseous aggregate state, enters the condenser tank;
moving along a long metal tube, the steam releases the accumulated heat into the external environment, smoothly cools to room temperature and turns into liquid;
the liquid working fluid passes through a filter-drier that absorbs excess moisture;
the refrigerant penetrates through a narrow capillary tube, at the exit of which its pressure decreases;
the substance cools and turns into a gas;
the cooled steam reaches the evaporator and, passing through its channels, takes away heat from the internal compartments of the refrigeration unit;
The temperature of the freon rises, and it is again sent to the compressor.

If we talk in simple words about how a compressor refrigerator works, the process looks like this: the compressor distills the refrigerant in a closed circle. Which, in turn, changes its state of aggregation thanks to special devices, collects heat inside and transfers it outside.

The operating cycle in the system is repeated until the temperature values set by the system programs are reached, and resumes again when their increase is recorded

After cooling to the required parameters, the thermostat stops the motor, opening the electrical circuit.

When the temperature in the chambers begins to rise, the contacts close again, and the compressor motor is activated by the protective starting relay. That is why, during operation of the refrigerator, the hum of the motor constantly appears and then subsides again.

Subtleties of refrigerator control

There is nothing complicated in operating the equipment: it operates automatically around the clock.

The only thing that needs to be done when you first turn it on and periodically adjust it during operation is to set the optimal temperature regime in specific circumstances.

The desired temperature is set by a thermostat. In an electromechanical system, values are set by eye or taking into account the recommendations specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. In this case, you should take into account the type and quantity of food stored in the refrigerator.

The regulator knob is a round mechanism with several divisions. Each mark corresponds to a specific temperature regime: the larger the division, the lower the temperature.

In order to assess the degree of freezing, experts advise first putting the regulator in the middle position, and after some time, if necessary, twist it to the right or left

The electronic unit allows you to set the temperature with maximum accuracy up to 1 degree using a rotary controller or buttons. For example, set the freezer compartment to -14 degrees. All entered parameters will be displayed on the digital display.

To maximize the life of your home refrigerator, you should not only understand its structure, but also properly care for it.

Lack of proper maintenance and improper operation can lead to rapid wear of important parts and poor functioning.

You can avoid undesirable consequences by adhering to a number of rules:

Clean the condenser regularly from dirt, dust and cobwebs in models with an open metal grille on the rear wall. To do this, you need to use a regular slightly damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment.
Install the equipment correctly. Make sure that the distance between the condenser and the wall of the room is at least 10 cm. This measure will help ensure unhindered circulation of air masses.
Defrost in a timely manner, preventing the formation of an excessive layer of snow on the walls of the chambers. At the same time, to remove ice crusts, it is forbidden to use knives and other sharp objects, which can easily damage and disable the evaporator.

You also need to take into account that the refrigerator should not be placed next to heating devices or in places where direct contact with sunlight is possible.

Excessive influence of external heat has a bad effect on the operation of the main components and the overall performance of the device.

For cleaning parts of the product made of stainless steel, only special products recommended by the manufacturer in the instructions for the device are suitable.

If you plan to transport from place to place, it is best to transport the equipment in a truck with a high van, securing it in a strictly vertical position.

In this way, it is possible to prevent engine breakdowns and oil leakage from the compressor entering directly into the coolant circulation circuit.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How the refrigeration unit works:

Detailed explanation of the structure of compression refrigerators:

Information about the operation of absorption machines:

While refrigeration equipment is working properly, consumers are rarely interested in its design. However, this knowledge should not be neglected. They are very valuable because they allow you to quickly determine the cause of the breakdown. and detect the problem area, preventing serious malfunctions.

Types of refrigerators and their cooling systems

The first devices for cooling food and drinks appeared several thousand years ago in Ancient Egypt and China. In most cases, ancient refrigerators consisted of two containers: a smaller one containing food was placed in a larger one, partially filled with ice or cold water. Obviously, such a device was available exclusively to rich people and was not only a luxury item, but also a work of art.

The scientific and technological revolution of the 19th century also contributed to food freezing technologies. Thus, since 1850, in experimental and industrial models, and since 1913 in household refrigerators, so-called heat pumps have been used for cooling - special devices that transfer heat from the working (refrigerator or freezer) chamber to the external environment.

The possibility of long-term preservation of food freshness was appreciated, therefore, by the middle of the 20th century, almost every American family had a refrigerator, 30% of housewives from Western Europe - and only individual citizens of the Soviet Union, since the father of all nations I.V. Stalin attributed refrigerator to bourgeois excesses. It is unlikely that Stalin deliberately tried to starve the population of stale food; it’s just that in the pre-war years, almost all the metal needed, including for the manufacture of refrigerators, was used for the construction of military equipment. Nevertheless, the beginning of mass production of refrigerators in the USSR coincided with the debunking of the cult of personality, therefore, if there was no sex in the Soviet Union for another forty long years until 1991, by the end of the 80s there were refrigerators in almost every family.

Over the next twenty years of rampant democracy, refrigerators penetrated into all kitchens, including village and country houses. Modern housewives can afford to be capricious and choose from a whole variety of models that suit them in color and size. However, despite their endless variety, the technology for cooling and freezing food and drinks in almost all refrigerators has remained unchanged for half a century.

Types of refrigerators

In total, four types of refrigeration units can be distinguished that claimed to be domestic: compression, absorption, thermoelectric and refrigerator with vortex coolers.

In the latter, extremely rare type, which has not gone beyond prototypes and test installations, cooling is carried out by expanding the air compressed by the compressor in special chambers - vortex coolers. These devices were reliable and safe, but had extremely low efficiency, made monstrous noise and therefore had virtually no chance of success, especially in everyday life.

Units of the second type - absorption refrigerators, the design of which was proposed by Albert Einstein, provides cooling of the working chamber due to the evaporation of ammonia. They got their name because the circulation of the refrigerant occurs during the process of its dissolution in a liquid, most often in water. For further operation of the refrigerator, this solution is divided into water and ammonia, after which the latter is liquefied, then evaporates and dissolves again in water, then the cycle is repeated from the very beginning.

Unlike vortex refrigerators, absorption refrigerators are practically silent; in addition, most designs also have no moving parts. Devices based on this principle have a feature that is quite exotic for household devices - they can operate not on electricity, but on burned fuel, such as wood. This allows you to take such refrigerators, for example, on a hike or to the beach. Despite the advantages, there are also disadvantages - relatively low specific productivity, as well as the potential danger of poisoning with toxic substances.

Car refrigerator

At the heart of the work thermoelectric refrigerator lies the Peltier effect - cooling the point of contact of two different conductors during the passage of electric current. Refrigerators using such elements are reliable, silent, but quite expensive and extremely inefficient compared to other heat pumps. Despite this, they can be found in car coolers, water coolers and computer coolers.

Peltier element structure

The most common in everyday life compression refrigerators. They are based on the property of a substance to absorb heat during evaporation. The refrigerant (safe freon gas) boils in the evaporator, thereby cooling the air in the internal chamber. To complete the cycle, it must be turned back into liquid. This occurs when the increased pressure created by the compressor in the condenser produces heat. Condensers can be placed at the rear either open (the familiar grille) or closed (the condenser is protected by a special plate, and ventilation holes are provided on top for efficient heat exchange). In addition, some manufacturers place the condenser in the side walls, which allows you to install the refrigerator close to the wall.

The compressor is the noisiest element of the refrigerator

This type of heat pump is relatively simple, cheap and safe for domestic use. The disadvantage of the design is the noise generated by the compressor, therefore, to reduce the noise load, it is placed on special vibration suspensions.

Single and double compressor refrigerators

There are refrigerators on the market equipped with both one and two compressors. In the latter case, each chamber (refrigerator and freezer) has an autonomous cooling system, which allows you to independently regulate the temperature and turn off unused chambers. This can be useful, for example, during a long vacation or when there is temporarily no need to freeze and store food for a long time.

In refrigerators with one compressor, a solenoid valve is used to separately control the operation of the chambers, which regulates the supply of refrigerant to the evaporators. For consumers, this means that they will not notice any difference in operation compared to dual-compressor models. The only difference is that you cannot turn off the freezer.

In general, two-compressor models are somewhat more expensive, less reliable (due to a larger number of elements and, accordingly, a greater likelihood of failure), but potentially have the advantage that if one compressor fails, the second continues to function. It remains unclear who will be content with one working camera out of two possible ones.

Cooling systems

Any refrigerators, even the most modern ones, require regular maintenance. This is primarily due to the fact that frost freezes on the evaporators. There are several systems that deal with this problem with varying degrees of success.

The most common is the so-called crying wall or "cry". A refrigerator with such a system works as follows: the evaporator on the rear wall cools the refrigerator compartment, but at the same time frost forms on it. At one stage of the refrigerator operation, the compressor stops, cooling stops and the frost melts, turning into water, which flows through the drainage system into a special container located near the compressor. When the latter operates, the container heats up and the water evaporates. Obviously, at the same time, a fairly high humidity is maintained in the refrigeration chamber.

The familiar “crying” wall

The operation of such a system involves defrosting the freezer evaporator from several times a year to once every few years, depending on operating conditions - load, humidity, frequency of door opening and other factors. Such devices are theoretically more reliable than models with forced cooling, since the system is simpler.

Second type - mixed cooling, when in the refrigerator compartment defrosting occurs automatically (a “crying” wall), and in the freezer - with the help of an electric heater. Depending on the manufacturer, such a combined system may be called differently - No Frost, Frost Free, etc.

The third, technically more complex, system is based on cooling products using cold air flows. An evaporator hidden behind the wall cools both chambers using special fans. Its temperature is slightly lower than inside the chambers, and therefore frost freezes only on it, while thawing, as in the case of a combined system, occurs due to a special heater. As a result, the walls of the refrigerator chambers equipped with such a system do not freeze, which makes maintenance much easier. Marketing names - Full No Frost, Full Frost Free, etc.

No Frost systems impress with the complete absence of frost in the freezer

It should be noted that, regardless of the cooling system, it is necessary to periodically carry out hygienic cleaning of the refrigerator, which can be easily combined with defrosting.

Shelves

Despite their apparent simplicity, shelves play a big role in the operation of the refrigerator. The fact is that the old lattice shelves, with all their many shortcomings, had one serious advantage - they provided high-quality air circulation, and therefore more uniform cooling.

The convenience of using a refrigerator largely depends on the shelves.

Modern shelves made of tempered glass are very convenient, beautiful and hygienic, but they significantly impede air convection. Therefore, many manufacturers equip their devices with forced ventilation to ensure high-quality air mixing. Typically, each solution gets its own marketing name and is presented as a significant improvement, such as Multi Air Flow, Dynamic Air Flow, etc.

Additional cooling system features

Some refrigerator models are equipped super freeze function- it allows you to additionally cool the freezer so that when new products are added, the temperature does not increase and those already stored do not thaw. In addition, the lower temperature ensures rapid freezing, which means it allows you to better preserve the beneficial properties of food. It should be noted that a similar function exists for the refrigerator compartment.

A significant expansion of the functionality of the refrigerator is, of course, the so-called freshness zones. Such a zone is a separate chamber or cell (box) in which the temperature is maintained close to zero. This allows you to preserve the freshness of products, especially perishable ones, for a long time without freezing. It is optimal to have a separate chamber, similar to a refrigerator, but smaller in size. This separation allows you to effectively maintain temperature and humidity.

Freshness zones reduce the frequency of trips to the store

Typically, users are offered two freshness zones:

dry, intended for storing meat, poultry, fish, seafood;
wet, which is ideal for preserving vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

Thus, according to information from the company - one of the founders of zero zones - the shelf life of berries increases by 3-4 times, potatoes and apples will remain fresh for almost three months, and meat and poultry will last a whole week instead of several days. This means you can plan your diet and supplies with much more freedom. In simpler solutions, where the fresh zone is a drawer or special compartment inside the refrigerator compartment, such temperature and humidity control is understandably not possible, which reduces the usefulness of the zero zone.

An ice maker will surely delight your guests

Another nice addition could be ice maker- a special device that automatically prepares ice. Typically, these refrigerators are directly connected to a source of cold water, which is filtered to improve the quality of the ice. It should be noted that in some cases, some manufacturers may call ice generators a special tray system that provides for minimal automation of ice production.