The two-compressor cooling system in brand refrigerators Atlant is a reliable and time-tested mechanism that is still valued by users for its autonomy and maintainability. Unlike modern models with one compressor, here two independent units are responsible for cooling the freezer and refrigerator compartments, which allows more precise control of the temperature conditions in each compartment. Understanding exactly how this equipment functions will help owners notice deviations in operation in time and extend the life of the device.
Normal operation of such a device involves alternating periods of active cooling and rest, during which the motors are turned off. If you hear one compressor humming while the second is silent at this time, this is a normal situation, indicating that the control system correctly distributes the load. Independent circuits allow you to defrost one chamber without losing cold in the other, which is a key advantage of the design over single-circuit analogues.
It is important to consider that stability of operation depends not only on the serviceability of the motors, but also on the condition of thermostats, starting relays and the quality of the refrigerant. Any violation in the control circuit or freon leak leads to a change in the characteristic sound and temperature indicators. A critical sign of a malfunction is the operation of both compressors simultaneously for a long time without rest breaks. It is by these parameters that you can judge the health of your equipment.
The principle of separation of circuits cooling
The basis for the functioning of refrigerators Atlant with two motors is the physical separation of the refrigerant into two independent cycles. One compressor serves exclusively the freezer compartment, ensuring deep freezing of food, while the second maintains positive temperatures in the main compartment. This scheme eliminates the flow of cold and allows each unit to operate in its optimal load range.
When you open the door of the refrigerator compartment, warm air enters and the sensor detects an increase in temperature. After closing the door, the thermostat gives the command to start the corresponding compressor. At the same time, the freezer motor can be at rest if the temperature conditions there correspond to the specified parameters. Autonomy of systems ensures that frequent opening of the main compartment will not lead to defrosting of the reserves in the freezer.
Refrigerant circulation occurs in a closed circuit, passing through a condenser, a capillary tube and an evaporator. In two-compressor models, different types of evaporators are often used: in the freezer it can be an open aluminum panel or a hidden channel, and in the refrigerator compartment it can be a drip system or technology. The difference in design requires different approaches to maintenance, but the principle of independent operation of the motors remains unchanged. Atlant different types of evaporators are often used: in the freezer this may be an open aluminum panel or hidden duct, and in the refrigerator compartment it can be a drip system or technology No Frost. The difference in design requires different approaches to maintenance, but the principle of independent operation of the motors remains unchanged.
Why are two compressors quieter than one?
Many people mistakenly believe that two motors create more noise. In fact, since each unit has less power and operates independently, peak loads are distributed, and vibration is often lower than that of a single powerful inverter motor.
Normal on and off cycles
To correctly assess the condition of the equipment, you need to know how often and for what duration the motors should be turned on. In normal operation, the refrigerator Atlant spends 40% to 60% of the total time at rest. This means that after reaching the set temperature, the compressor turns off and “rests” until the next increase in temperature inside the chambers.
The duration of the operating cycle directly depends on the ambient temperature and the number of loaded products. In the summer, when the room is hot, the motors will turn on more often and run longer to compensate for the heat gain. In winter, on the contrary, pauses between starts can increase significantly. Operating time coefficient should not exceed 0.6–0.7 under standard conditions, otherwise this indicates an overload of the system.
It is worth paying attention to the nature of the start: a working compressor turns on with a characteristic click of the relay and humming, which after a few seconds becomes even and quiet. If you hear a hum, a click, and then silence, and this repeats several times in a row, this is a sign of a problem with the starter or the motor itself. The normal cycle looks like a smooth increase in noise, stable operation and complete subsidence when turned off.
Temperature conditions and operation of thermostats
Temperature control in two-compressor models is carried out using mechanical or electronic thermostats installed in each chamber separately. Adjustment is usually made by turning the knob from 1 (warm) to 7 (maximum cold) or via the digital display. Correct settings ensure food safety and economical energy consumption.
The optimal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is considered to be from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius, and for the freezer - minus 18 degrees and below. If you set the regulator to the middle position, and the food in the refrigerator compartment freezes or, conversely, spoils, this may indicate improper operation thermostat or a refrigerant leak. In a two-compressor system, a failure in one circuit does not affect the readings of the sensors of the other.
It is important to note that after loading a large amount of warm food or after defrosting, the refrigerator takes time to return to mode. During this period, the motors can work almost non-stop. However, once the core temperature has stabilized, cycling should resume. If this does not happen within 24 hours, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics.
Sound characteristics of a working device
The sound of a working refrigerator Atlant consists of the hum of the motor, the noise of the circulating refrigerant and the clicking of the thermostat. A working two-compressor unit emits a smooth, low-frequency hum. Since the motors operate independently, you can hear one of them go silent while the second continues to work - this is an absolutely normal phenomenon that confirms the correct operation of the control system.
Periodic gurgling or the sound of liquid flowing inside the pipelines indicates the movement of freon through the system. These sounds can be heard even when the compressors are turned off, since the pressure in the circuits is equalized. Acoustic comfort modern models Atlant is quite high, and loud intrusive noise is not typical for them.
The following sounds should alert you: a loud metallic clang at startup, a piercing whistle, strong vibration of the case or a knock that reverberates to the floor. Also a sign of a malfunction is a situation when the engine hums, but does not start, or works with noticeable interruptions. In a two-compressor model, the breakdown of one motor is often accompanied by the system’s attempts to compensate for the loss of cold by increased operation of the second unit, which also changes the sound picture.
Diagnostics of common malfunctions
Despite the reliability of the equipment Atlant, various failures may occur over time. The most common problem is the failure of the start relay, which leads to the compressor refusing to start. In a two-compressor scheme, this is expressed in the fact that one of the chambers stops cooling, while the other operates normally. Diagnostics in this case is simplified due to the independence of the circuits.
Another common cause of violations is a refrigerant leak. If the system becomes low on freon, the compressor will work almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature, but the cooling will be weak. Unlike single-circuit models, if there is a leak in one circuit of a two-compressor refrigerator, the second can continue to work normally, which allows you to localize the problem.
A malfunction of the thermostat leads to the fact that the compressor either does not turn on at all or does not turn off at all. You can check this by temporarily closing the thermostat contacts (for mechanical models) or replacing the sensor. It is also worth checking the condition of the door seals: if they do not fit tightly, heat constantly enters the chamber, causing the motors to work in increased mode.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the back wall of the refrigerator or the compressors are excessively hot (more than 50-60 degrees), and the refrigerator does not freeze well, immediately unplug the appliance. Continuing to operate in this mode may result in burnout of the motor windings or a fire.
The following is a table that helps compare symptoms with possible causes in dual-compressor models:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Affected circuit | Required actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| One chamber does not freeze | Faulty compressor or relay | One of two | Replacing the start relay or motor |
| Both motors hum non-stop | Freon leak or thermostat failure | Both or one | Search leaks, refilling or replacing the sensor |
| Strong ice in one compartment | Loose fit of the door or defective heating element | Local | Replacement of the seal or defrosting heating element |
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Problem with the power supply or board | Control system | Checking the socket and fuses |
Operation rules to extend service life
In order for a two-compressor refrigerator Atlant to serve for a long time and reliably, it is important to follow a number of simple operating rules. First of all, it is necessary to ensure adequate ventilation of the rear wall of the device. The distance to the wall must be at least 5-10 cm so that the heat from the condenser is effectively dissipated. Overheating of compressors is one of the main reasons for their premature failure.
It is not recommended to load hot products into the chambers. This creates a sudden spike in temperature and humidity, forcing the system to operate at its limit. In addition, excess moisture quickly turns into an ice crust on the evaporator, which worsens heat transfer. Patience when cooling food before loading is the key to saving equipment life.
Regular defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the drainage holes is also are required. Although the two-compressor system is more resistant to changes, ignoring maintenance leads to blockages and increased load on the motors. Use only mild detergents and avoid damaging the internal coating of the chambers.
☑️ Checking the condition of the refrigerator
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and installation requirements may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture of the model Atlant. Always check the instructions included with your device, or find the technical data sheet for the exact model on the manufacturer’s official website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why one compressor works constantly, but the second one rarely turns on?
This is a normal situation if the loads on the cameras are different. For example, if you open your refrigerator frequently, the refrigerator motor will run more often. If the freezer is closed and there is enough cold, its motor will rarely turn on to maintain the temperature.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if one of the compressors has burned out?
Technically, the refrigerator will continue to work, but one of the chambers will stop cooling. You can operate the device in this mode temporarily, but the second compressor may experience increased load if the system tries to compensate for the heat flow through the partition.
How do you understand that it is time to change the thermostat?
If the refrigerator does not turn off at all (it works non-stop) and a “fur coat” has formed inside, or vice versa, it does not turn on at all until you knock on the regulator - rather Basically, the problem is in the thermostat. In two-compressor models, this is checked by turning off one circuit.
Does installing two compressors affect energy consumption?
Two low-power compressors may consume about the same or slightly more energy than one high-power one, but they allow savings due to more precise temperature control and the ability to turn off unused zones (in some models).