Refrigeration equipment of the brand Stinol has proven itself for many years as reliable equipment capable of maintaining food freshness even in conditions of unstable power supply. Owners of such units often wonder why the freezer compartment has massive plastic panels on the back wall. These elements are an integral part of the thermoregulation system, ensuring a stable temperature regime.
The main function of this unit is to accumulate cold, which allows the device to maintain a low temperature longer when there is a power outage or the door is rarely opened. Understanding the operating principle of this system helps to operate the equipment correctly and avoid common mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Let's look in detail at how this works.
The principle of operation of the cold accumulation system
The operation of refrigerators Stinol with the No Frost system or combined cooling is based on the use of special heat-accumulating materials. The back wall of the freezer is not just a partition, but a complex multi-layer element. Inside the plastic casing is refrigerant or a gel-like substance that freezes when the compressor is running.
When the compressor is turned on, the refrigerant inside the panels freezes into an icy mass. This process is accompanied by the absorption of heat from the interior of the chamber. After the thermostat detects that the set temperature has been reached, the motor turns off. It is at this moment that the accumulation principle begins to work: the frozen material inside the panels gradually releases the accumulated cold back into the chamber.
This allows you to increase the intervals between compressor starts, which has a positive effect on the engine life and noise level. In addition, such a system smoothes out temperature fluctuations that inevitably occur when loading warm food or frequently opening the door.
⚠️ Attention: Under no circumstances try to drill or damage the rear plastic panel in the freezer. Inside there is a chemical composition that, if in contact with products, can be dangerous, and a violation of the seal will lead to loss of battery properties.
The efficiency of the entire system directly depends on the tightness of the panels and the absence of gaps. If you notice that the plastic is swollen or has moved away from the wall, this may indicate a violation of the refrigerant circulation inside the element itself.
Design features of Stinol panels
Engineers Stinol have developed a unique design of evaporators hidden behind decorative panels. Unlike open evaporators of older models, a hidden cooling system is used here. The plastic panels are made of impact-resistant polystyrene, which can withstand significant temperature changes without cracking.
Inside the structure there are channels through which the sealed refrigerant circulates freon or is located. The wall thickness is selected in such a way as to ensure optimal heat transfer. It is important to note that in different models of refrigerators, for example, in series RFC 340 or RBC 214, the configuration of the panels may differ.
The panels are secured using special latches and screws hidden under decorative plugs. This is done so that the user cannot accidentally dismantle the element without a tool. However, if repairs are necessary, the technician can gain access to the evaporator by carefully removing the back cover.
Technical nuances of materials
The panels are made of food-grade plastic, resistant to low temperatures down to -40 degrees. A saline solution or a special gel with high heat capacity can be used inside, which allows you to keep cold for up to 10-12 hours when the power supply is completely turned off.
Advantages of using cold accumulators
The presence of built-in cold accumulators gives owners of refrigerators Stinol a number of undeniable advantages over models with open evaporator. First of all, this concerns energy efficiency. The device consumes less electricity, since the compressor operates in a more gentle mode with long pauses.
The second important aspect is the safety of products. Stable temperature prevents bacterial growth and food spoilage. Even if you forget to close the door tightly, the system will restore the mode faster thanks to the cold reserve in the panels.
The list of key advantages is as follows:
- ❄️ Significantly extended time of autonomous cold preservation when the lights are turned off.
- 🔇 Reduced noise level due to less frequent switching on compressor.
- 💡 Uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire volume of the freezer.
- 🛡️ Protection of products from temperature changes when the door is frequently opened.
It is also worth mentioning that this design simplifies the defrosting process. Ice does not grow in a thick layer on the products, but forms evenly on the inner surface of the evaporator, from where it is removed automatically or during scheduled defrosting.
Typical faults and methods for diagnosing them
Despite its reliability, the cold accumulation system may encounter problems. One of the most common malfunctions is swelling of the rear panel. This happens if excess ice has formed inside the chamber, which has nowhere to go, and it begins to put pressure on the plastic from the inside.
Another problem is a violation of the tightness of the circuit. If freon circulates in the panels, a leak may occur if the housing is damaged. In models with sealed refrigerant, this leads to a complete loss of the storage function. The problem can be diagnosed visually or by indirect signs.
Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- 🧊 Lumps have appeared on the back wall or the plastic is deformed.
- 💧 Water or ice constantly accumulates inside the freezer.
- 📉 Products began to freeze more slowly or, conversely, become over-frozen.
- 🔊 The compressor works almost without interruption, trying to gain temperature.
⚠️ Attention: If you find oily stains on the back panel or smell a specific smell, immediately unplug the refrigerator. This may indicate a refrigerant leak along with the compressor oil.
An accurate diagnosis often requires disassembling the freezer and checking the pressure in the system. It is not recommended to carry out such manipulations on your own without special equipment, as you can damage the thin tubes of the evaporator.
Instructions for replacing and servicing elements
If diagnostics showed that the cold accumulator has failed or the panel is deformed, it may be necessary to replace the element. This process requires accuracy and tools. Before starting work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply and defrost it for at least 24 hours.
To replace, you will need to remove all shelves and drawers, and remove the rear wall fastenings. In some models Stinol the panel is integral with the evaporator, and the entire assembly has to be replaced. In other cases, it is enough to replace only the plastic casing if the internal circuit is intact.
☑️ Preparation for replacing the panel
The process of removing the panel is often complicated by freezing ice. Use a hair dryer on low power to gently heat the perimeter of the plastic. Do not use sharp objects to pick it out, as there is a high risk of puncturing the evaporator.
After installing the new panel, you need to check the fit and tightness of the connections. If the tubes were soldered, be sure to check the system for leaks with an indicator gas.
| Type of malfunction | Possible cause | Remedy | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel swelling | Ice build-up inside | Defrosting, replacing the door seal | Low |
| Plastic cracks | Mechanical damage | Replacement of decorative panel | Average |
| Lack of cold | Freon leak from the circuit | Recharging the system, searching for leaks | High |
| Noise during operation | Vibration of the panel against the body | Adjustment of fastenings | Low |
It is important to use only original spare parts or high-quality analogues recommended by the manufacturer. Cheap substitutes may not withstand temperature loads and burst after a few months of operation.
Operation rules for extending service life
In order for the cold accumulator in your refrigerator Stinol to serve for many years, you must follow certain operating rules. First of all, this concerns the loading of the camera. Do not overcrowd the freezer, leave space for air circulation between the food and the back wall.
Regular defrosting, even in No Frost systems, is recommended at least once a year. This allows you to remove hidden ice deposits in hard-to-reach places and check the condition of the seals. The panels should be cleaned with a soft cloth without using abrasives.
Monitor the temperature regime. Setting the thermostat too low forces the system to work at its limit, which reduces the life of the plastic and refrigerant. The optimal temperature for storing frozen food is -18 degrees.
It is also important to monitor the condition of the door. If the seal is worn out, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber, which condenses and freezes, creating excess pressure on the cold accumulator panel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the back panel in the Stinol freezer for washing?
Remove the panel without not recommended. The design is designed to be sealed, and frequent disassembly may damage the mountings or the evaporator itself. To clean, just wipe the accessible surfaces with a soft cloth.
Why is the back wall of the freezer hot?
In some models this is normal, since a heat removal tube (anti-condensation) may run along the contour. However, if the panel gets very hot or swells, this may indicate a blockage in the system or a malfunction of the thermostat.
How long does the battery in Stinol keep cold?
In a working refrigerator with a full load, the autonomous temperature retention time is usually from 10 to 14 hours. When the chamber is empty, this time is reduced to 5-7 hours.
How to replace the refrigerant if it has leaked?
It is impossible to independently replace the refrigerant in the panels, since they are often a sealed, non-removable structure. The entire evaporator unit or panel assembly must be replaced by a qualified technician.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and design of refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model. Before ordering spare parts, always check the serial number of the device with the manufacturer's catalogs.