Manufacturers have developed several refrigeration systems in the refrigerator. Some of them are used more often, others less often: we will analyze each in detail so that you can make the right choice. It is important for each buyer to know the principle of operation of the equipment and the type of cooling in order to choose the best option.
Principles of operation of refrigeration in refrigerators
The schemes and principle of operation of the cooling system depend on the type of refrigerator. There are four main ones (we wrote more about this in a separate article):
- Compression. Most modern refrigerators. They work from a compressor (sometimes two), which creates sufficient pressure to circulate the refrigerant through the system - this is how the chamber cools. To complete the cycle, the refrigerant must again turn into gas. To do this, there is an external capacitor (grille on the back wall) or an internal capacitor (protected by a special plate). The condenser creates heat, which makes the liquid turn into gas. The scheme of operation of the compressor refrigerator:
- Absorption. It works without a compressor: the refrigerant moves through the system thanks to the heat exchanger. It consumes much more electricity than the previous version.
- Thermoelectric. Inside the refrigerator are plates that heat up when electricity is supplied. The method is ineffective for household appliances: the larger the volume of the chamber, the greater the amount of energy you need to spend. Thermoelectric cooling is used in small refrigerators for cosmetics.
- The vortex type had the right to life, but did not go beyond the limits of test installations due to low efficiency and strong noise. In special chambers, the air compressed by the compressor expanded. So there was a cooling.
The compression refrigerator can be equipped with one or two motors. In a dual-circuit device, each motor is responsible for the operation of its camera: upper or lower. The cooling system in them can be of three types. Below we consider each of them.
Which system is better
The cooling device affects the quality and shelf life of products, as well as the frequency of defrosting. If the cell often freezes ice and snow, then weekly defrosting is required. To avoid this, you need to choose a refrigerator with the right system.
Static type
It is also called Direct Cool, or "the weeping wall."
Static cooling is time-tested. Due to the built-in evaporator in the rear wall and compressor operation, the temperature in the compartment decreases. Since the back wall is cold, condensation builds up on its surface. Then, moisture drops flow into the drainage hole and are removed from the chamber.
Many confuse the static type with the drip type. In fact, the drip system is defrosting. When the condensate freezes on the wall, then it thaws and drains into the drain.
The temperature mode allows you to set the controller, if the control is electromechanical. Electronic control means buttons and a display. Defrosting in this case is carried out semi-automatically. The refrigerator compartment is thawed by the drip method, and the freezer must be defrosted manually.
According to manufacturers, defrosting a static aggregate should be done twice a year.
The disadvantage of a static system is the uneven distribution of temperature in the chamber. The cold stream drops down, so if you immediately load the shelves with warm products, the appliance will gain the desired temperature for a long time.
The advantage is moisture retention in products. Even if you put unclosed berries or vegetables, the next day they will retain their appearance.
No frost
No Frost technology is the most popular today. Manufacturers decided to make life easier for housewives by inventing a refrigerator that does not need to be defrosted.
The principle of operation is as follows: the radiator is in the chamber. Air is forced by fans through the evaporator - there it is cooled and passes into the chamber. The advantage of this type is the uniform temperature distribution due to the spread of air flow.
All moisture that has been accumulated by the air is deposited on the evaporator. After the motor is turned off, the sensor is triggered and the defrost heater is switched on. Moisture drains into the drain and is removed from the refrigerator.
Thus, ice and snow do not freeze on the walls of the compartment. However, if you put the products uncovered, they will quickly weather and lose moisture.
There are also more advanced technologies. The principle of operation is the same as that of Nou Frost, only in the chamber at the level of each shelf a ventilation hole is organized. This multi-threaded cooling allows you to maintain optimal temperature everywhere. These are Air Flow, Multi Air Flow technologies and others.
Dynamic type
The dynamic scheme of work is similar to static, only more perfect. A fan is located in the refrigerator section, as is the case with No Frost, which allows air to be distributed throughout the chamber. Otherwise, there are no differences.
Recently, they began to produce refrigeration equipment with a hybrid combined system. For example, in the refrigerator compartment, static cooling is organized, and in the freezer Nou Frost. So the user does not have to manually defrost. Electrolux manufacturers call the technology Frost Free.
Important! Do not think that a refrigerator with No Frost or Frost Free does not need defrosting at all. At least once a year they must be turned off for 24 hours, washed, treated from mold and unpleasant odors.
If you choose the right equipment with the optimal cooling system, the operation of the device will be convenient and enjoyable. Take care of the inside chamber of the refrigerator, do not let the dirt that become a source of bad smell dry out.