Two-compressor cooling system in The brand's household appliances Atlant are deservedly considered one of the most reliable circuits on the market, ensuring autonomous operation of the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Owners of such devices are often faced with the need to accurately calibrate modes, especially when seasons change or the volume of loaded products changes. Understanding the principles of operation thermostats allows you not only to extend the service life of products, but also to significantly save on electricity.
Unlike single-compressor analogues, here a separate unit is responsible for the climate in each compartment, which gives the user ample control possibilities. However, it is precisely this independence that requires a competent approach to configuration, since the operating parameters of compressors differ. Incorrect adjustment can lead to overuse of resources or spoilage of inventory, so it is important to know the technical nuances of your model.
In this material, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of temperature control, consider the differences between models with electronic and mechanical control, and also provide a table of optimal values for various types of products. You will learn to diagnose malfunctions in the system and understand when intervention in the settings is really necessary, and when the problem lies deeper.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations with the regulators, make sure that the refrigerator has stood in an upright position for at least 4 hours after transportation, so that the oil in the compressors flows into the crankcase.
The principle of operation of a two-compressor cooling systems
The fundamental difference between equipment Atlant with two compressors is the complete isolation of the refrigeration circuits. While one unit maintains deep cold in the freezer, the second works to create a positive temperature in the main compartment. This eliminates the flow of cold and allows you to set radically different modes independently of each other.
Each compressor is controlled by its own thermostat or electronic module, which reads temperature sensors. When the value in the chamber rises above the set threshold, the corresponding compressor starts. This approach minimizes the load on the electrical network, since the motors almost never work at the same time, which reduces the overall level of noise and vibration.
It is important to understand that in mechanical models, regulators are simple relays that open the circuit when a certain temperature is reached. In more complex modifications Atlant with a No Frost system or electronic control, the process is controlled by a microprocessor, which also takes into account the engine operating time to prevent overheating.
Technical detail
Why are two compressors better than one?: The two-compressor circuit allows defrosting one circuit (in models with manual defrosting) while the second continues to operate. In addition, if one of the units breaks down, the second can temporarily take over part of the load, although this is not the normal operating mode.
The location and types of temperature controllers
In refrigerators Atlant the control interface can vary significantly depending on the series and year of manufacture. In classic models, adjustment is carried out by mechanical knobs located inside the cameras or on the top panel of the case. Digital models are equipped with a display on the door, where parameters are set using buttons.
The mechanical regulator usually has a scale from 1 to 7 or from Min to Max. It is important to remember here: the number does not indicate degrees Celsius, but indicates the intensity of the compressor. The higher the number, the lower temperature there is inside the chamber. Electronic panels, in turn, display the actual temperature, which simplifies adjustment.
In dual-compressor systems, you will always find two independent controls: one marked with a snowflake symbol (freezer compartment), the other with a drop or image of food (refrigerator compartment). They should not be confused, since their operating temperature ranges are radically different.
Optimal temperature conditions for storage
To maintain food freshness and prevent the growth of bacteria, it is necessary to maintain strictly defined temperature ranges. In the refrigerator compartment Atlant the ideal value is considered to be from +2 to +4 degrees Celsius. Under such conditions, dairy products, meat and ready meals remain safe for as long as possible.
The freezer requires more stringent conditions. According to international standards, the temperature should not exceed -18 degrees Celsius. This value ensures deep freezing, stopping any biochemical processes in products. The adjustment should be made taking into account the load: a full refrigerator keeps the cold better than an empty one.
Below is a reference table of recommended settings for various categories of products, which will help you navigate the choice of mode:
| Chamber type | Recommended temperature | Knob position (fur.) | What to store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator compartment | +2...+4 °C | 3 (out of 5-7) | Dairy products, meat, fish, ready meals |
| Freshness zone (zero) | 0...+1 °C | Special mode | Vegetables, fruits, chilled meat (short-term) |
| Freezer | -18...-24 °C | 5-6 (out of 7) | Frozen semi-finished products, ice, shelf-stable meat |
| Super Freeze mode | up to -24 °C | Max / Button | Fresh food before freezing (turn on for 12-24 hours) |
It is worth noting that food storage at temperatures above +5 degrees Celsius it is considered dangerous, since pathogenic microflora actively multiply in this zone. Therefore, regular monitoring using an external thermometer will not be superfluous.
Instructions for setting up mechanical thermostats
If your Atlant is equipped with rotary knobs inside the chambers, the setting process requires patience and understanding of the inertia of the system. Changing the position of the handle does not immediately change the temperature; the compressor needs time to reach a new operating mode.
First, determine the current position of the regulator. The factory default setting is usually in the middle of the scale. If food in the refrigerator compartment freezes at the back wall, you need to turn the knob towards lower values (counterclockwise). If the milk quickly sours, add power by turning the knob towards higher numbers.
In the freezer, the logic is similar: to increase freezing, turn the knob clockwise. After each position change, wait at least 6-8 hours before making the next adjustment. This time is necessary to stabilize the thermal balance inside the volume.
☑️ Algorithm for setting the mechanics
⚠️ Attention: Do not set the mechanical type regulator to the maximum value (7 or Max) for continuous operation. This forces compressor to work without interruptions, which leads to rapid wear and freezing of the evaporator.
Setting up electronic control and display
In models Atlant with an electronic control unit (usually located on the outside of the top door), the adjustment is much more accurate. Here you operate with specific degrees, and not with conventional units of power. The interface can be push-button or touch-sensitive.
To change parameters, you usually need to press and hold the setting button of the corresponding camera for 3-5 seconds until the numbers on the display start flashing. After this, short presses set the desired value. The system itself will confirm the choice with a sound signal or stop flashing a few seconds after the last press.
The electronics also allow you to activate special modes such as “Vacation” or “Super Freeze”. The "Vacation" mode turns off the refrigerator compartment (leaving the temperature at about +15 degrees), but leaves the freezer running, which saves energy during a long absence of the owners.
Sequence for activating Super Freeze:1. Press the "Mode" or "Freezer" button.
2. Hold for 3 seconds until the indicator (snowflake) appears.
3. After 12-24 hours, the mode will turn off automatically.
Diagnostics of problems and common adjustment errors
Even with correct settings, users sometimes encounter incorrect operation of the equipment. One of the most common mistakes is violating the rules for loading cameras. If you tightly pack the space around the vents or dampers with food, cold air will not be able to circulate and the temperature sensor will show incorrect data.
Another common problem is installing the refrigerator too close to a wall or heat sources (radiators, stove). In this case, condenser does not have time to release heat, the cooling efficiency drops, and the compressor wears out, trying to achieve the set parameters.
If you notice that it is too cold in the refrigerator compartment, and, on the contrary, warm in the freezer (or vice versa), check the tightness of the door seals. A loose fit of the door leads to a constant influx of warm, humid air, which the system cannot cope with even at maximum settings.
Why in a two-compressor refrigerator does one motor work more often than the other?
This is a normal situation. The frequency of switching on depends on the heat flow. If you open the refrigerator compartment frequently, its compressor will start more often. A freezer that is opened less frequently and that is better insulated can be turned on much less frequently, especially in winter.
Is it possible to turn off one of the compressors in a two-compressor Atlanta?
There is no standard function of completely turning off one chamber in most models (except for the "Vacation" mode in electronic versions, which turns off only the refrigerator compartment). Forced shutdown of one compressor requires intervention in the electrical circuit and is not recommended without skills.
What temperature should be in the "zero zone" Atlant?
In the freshness zone (bio-container) the temperature should be kept within 0...+1 degrees Celsius. To do this, the main chamber regulator must be set to the middle position, and the products must not block the access of cold air to this compartment.