Understanding how your household appliances function is the key to its long and trouble-free operation. Two-chamber refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlantequipped with one compressor are a classic and reliable design, proven over decades. Unlike systems with two motors, here all processes are tied to a single operating cycle, which imposes its own characteristics on the temperature distribution.
The main task of the unit is to simultaneously cool two isolated chambers - refrigeration and freezer - using the resources of one power unit. This requires precise synchronization of the operation of thermostat, evaporators and the heat removal system. If you know exactly how the refrigerant circulates inside the circuit, it will be easier for you to diagnose malfunctions or set up the optimal food storage mode.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physical scheme of freon movement, the logic of turning the motor on and off, as well as the features of the No Frost and drip defrosting system, which are often used in models. Atlant. You will learn why the freezer may be colder than required, and how to properly arrange food for maximum efficiency.
Basic refrigerant circulation diagram in a single-circuit system
The fundamental difference between refrigerators Atlant with one compressor is the presence of a single circuit. Freon, passing through the compressor, is compressed and sent to the condenser (usually located on the rear wall), where it releases heat to the environment. After passing through a filter drier and a capillary tube, where the pressure drops sharply, the refrigerant enters the evaporator.
In the classic “crying evaporator” scheme, the main heat exchanger is located in the freezer. It is there that freon boils and actively absorbs heat, turning into gas. Cold air from the freezer naturally or forcibly (in models with a fan) falls into the refrigerator compartment through special channels.
Temperature conditions in the upper compartment it is formed due to the influx of cold from below. It is important to understand that in such a system it is impossible to independently regulate the temperature in the chambers: a decrease in the temperature in the freezer automatically leads to overcooling of the food in the refrigerator. This is a physical feature of single-circuit systems.
⚠️ Attention: In single-circuit refrigerators Atlant you cannot completely turn off the freezer, leaving only the refrigerator running. The refrigerant circulation always passes through both evaporators sequentially.
The efficiency of heat transfer directly depends on the amount of freon in the system and the absence of air pockets. If you notice that the condenser is heating unevenly or only in the lower part, this may indicate clogging of the capillary tube or a gas leak, which requires the intervention of a technician.
Logic of the thermostat operation and switching cycles
Operation management compressor in refrigerators Atlant carries out a thermostat (thermostat). In most models, the thermostat sensor is located inside the refrigerator compartment, since this is where foods that require lower temperatures than in the freezer are stored. The thermostat reacts to heating the air in the upper compartment.
When the temperature in the refrigerator rises above a set threshold (for example, +5...+6°C), the thermostat contacts close and voltage is applied to the compressor windings. The motor starts, beginning the cooling cycle. The work continues until the air in the chamber cools down to the set value (for example, +3°C), after which the contacts open.
- 🧊 Cooling cycle: The compressor is running, freon circulates, the temperature in both chambers drops.
- ⏸️ Cycle idle time: The motor is turned off, the temperature slowly rises due to heat inflows from the outside and heat release of products.
- 🔄 Cycle frequency: Depends on the load of the chambers, the room temperature and the tightness of the seals.
It is important to note that the temperature in the freezer at the time of shutdown the compressor will always be significantly lower than in the refrigeration room. While the refrigerator is +3°C, the freezer can be -18°C or even -24°C. This is a normal operating process for single-circuit systems.
Features of the defrosting system: drip and No Frost
Models Atlant can be equipped with two types of defrosting systems, and the principle of their operation is significantly different. In systems with a “crying” evaporator (drip defrosting), the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment is periodically covered with frost. When the compressor stops, the frost melts and the water flows into the groove, leaving through the drainage hole.
The systems No Frost (or “complete No Frost” in more expensive models) use forced air circulation. The fan drives dry, cold air through the channels, preventing the formation of frost on food. The evaporator in such models is hidden and located separately, often behind the back panel of the freezer or refrigerator compartment.
The defrosting of the evaporator in the system No Frost occurs automatically. For this purpose, the design provides a defrost heating element, which is turned on by a timer or compressor hour meter. The heating element melts the ice on the evaporator, the water evaporates or flows into the pan.
What will happen if the defrost heating element burns out?
If the heating element stops working, the evaporator will become covered with ice. The fan will begin to make noise, ice chips may get into the channels, and the cold will stop flowing into the chambers. The compressor will work non-stop, trying to reach the temperature, but to no avail. data-i="97">Knowledge of temperature zones is necessary for proper storage of food. In a two-chamber refrigerator
In systems with automatic defrosting, the condition of the drainage channel is critical. If it becomes clogged, water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or freezer, forming an icy “coat.”
The user should know that in models No Frost products ventilate faster due to the constant movement of dry air. Therefore, storing food in closed containers or cling film is a prerequisite for operation.Distribution of temperature zones inside chambers
Knowledge of temperature zones is necessary for proper food storage. In a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant with one compressor, the temperature gradient is quite clearly expressed. In the refrigerator compartment, the lowest temperature is always at the back wall and on the bottom shelf, since the cold air is heavier and falls down.
On the top. the shelf and door niches have the highest temperature. The door is the warmest place, since when opened it is exposed to the greatest heat inflow, and the insulation there is thinner. The freezer compartment, depending on the model, may have several compartments with different degrees of freezing.
| Location area | Approximate temperature | Recommended products |
|---|---|---|
| Lower shelf (at the back wall) | 0...+2°C | Raw meat, fish, ready meals |
| Middle shelves | +3...+5°C | Dairy products, sausages, eggs |
| Door shelves | +5...+8°C | Drinks, sauces, medicines |
| Vegetable compartment (bottom) | +4...+6°C | Vegetables, fruits, herbs |
In the freezer, the temperature can vary from -6°C in the top drawer to -24°C in the bottom drawer (closer to the compressor and evaporator). For long-term storage (up to 1 year), it is recommended to use the lower drawers, where the cold is most stable.
Diagnostics of normal operation by sound and tactile sensations
A working refrigerator Atlant emits certain sounds that indicate its normal operation. The uniform hum of the compressor, periodic gurgling or hissing in the pipes is the sound of the movement of freon and oil. These sounds should not be loud or sharp.
Tactile diagnostics is also important. The condenser (grid at the back or sides) should be warm or hot when the compressor is running. If the motor hums, but the condenser remains cold, there may be a freon leak compressor breakdown.
- 🔊 Normal: Quiet humming, rare clicks of the thermostat, the sound of pouring water during defrosting.
- 🔊 Requires attention: Loud knocking, metallic clanging, continuous hum without stopping.
- ❄️ Temperature: The side walls can heat up to 50-60°C - this removes heat from the products.
Particular attention should be paid to vibration. If the refrigerator sits level but shakes a lot, check the shipping bolts (if they have not been removed) or the condition of the compressor shock absorbers. Vibration can be transferred to the housing and increase the noise.
⚠️ Warning: If you hear a loud cracking or clicking noise immediately after the compressor turns off, this may be a sign of a faulty start relay. In this case, the motor may not start in the next cycle.
Factors affecting cooling efficiency
The way your Atlantworks is influenced by many external and internal factors. The loading density of the chambers plays an important role: an empty refrigerator cools faster, but holds the temperature worse when the door is opened. Products work as cold accumulators.
The temperature in the room also matters. If the refrigerator is located next to a radiator, stove or in direct sun, heat exchange is disrupted. The compressor has to work hard to compensate for external heat. The gap between the back wall and the wall must be at least 5-10 cm for free air circulation.
The condition of the door seals is a critical parameter. If the elastic does not fit tightly, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber. This leads to the formation of a “snow coat” on the evaporator and increased frequency of motor switching cycles.
☑️ Checking operating conditions
The regularity of defrosting (for drip systems) directly affects energy efficiency. A layer of ice 1 cm thick increases energy consumption by 15-20%, since ice acts as a heat insulator, interfering with the cooling of the internal volume.
Frequent questions about operation (FAQ)
Why does the Atlas refrigerator work almost non-stop?
Most often this is due to leaky door fit, setting the temperature too low, or placing appliances near (heat sources). Freon leakage is also possible, due to which the compressor cannot gain the required pressure to shut down.
Is it possible to transport a two-chamber Atlas lying down?
Transportation lying down is not recommended, since oil from the compressor may leak into the refrigerant circuit. If transportation cannot be avoided, after installation it is necessary to allow the equipment to stand upright for at least 4-6 hours (preferably a day) before turning it on.
How can you tell if the thermostat is faulty?
If the refrigerator does not turn on at all (with a working outlet) or, on the contrary, works without interruptions, freezing all the food in the refrigerator compartment into ice, it is most likely out of order thermostat or its capillary tube.
Is it normal that the sides of the refrigerator are hot?
Yes, this is normal. In modern models Atlant the capacitor is often built into the side walls of the case. During operation of the compressor, they actively give off heat, so they can heat up to noticeable temperatures.