The principle of operation of refrigeration devices with linear compressors. What is the difference between refrigerators with linear and inverter compressors? What are the advantages of equipment with an inverter type compressor?
More and more refrigerator manufacturers have recently tried to produce their products using inverter technology. For many consumers, such household appliances, which are based on an inverter compressor, have become “to their taste.”
Such refrigerators have not yet become widespread on the market, but, according to experts, their number will only grow in the very near future. Although many people have heard such an expression as an inverter compressor, few can explain in detail what it is. Let's try to figure out what this new technology is.
First, we should explain how inverter and linear compressors work. The last type of compressor is a well-known and familiar version, which works according to the following scheme: switched on, worked, switched off. This means that in traditional old-type refrigerators, the linear compressor turns on at maximum power to achieve the required temperature level, cools the chamber, and then turns off.
This stepwise method of operation places a heavy load not only on the refrigeration system, but also on the electrical network. All processes associated with the operation of a linear compressor are accompanied by certain clicks that come from the relay.
Inverter compressors have a completely different operating principle. Thanks to the inverter system, the compressor does not have to bear heavy loads, since there is no need to periodically turn on or off. The refrigerator's inverter compressor operates steadily, smoothly and smoothly. This operating principle protects the entire system from overloads.
Let's take a closer look at the operation of a linear compressor unit. First it turns on. The sensor measures the temperature in the chamber and compares it with the temperature you set yourself. If any differences are detected by the sensor, the system will turn on to maximum, due to which the chamber quickly cools.
During the cooling process, a sensor in the indoor unit checks the temperature level. When the required temperature in the chamber is reached, the compressor turns off. But the sensor periodically continues to compare temperature readings. When the refrigerator becomes a couple of degrees warmer, the compressor system will turn on again and operate at full capacity. And so again and again.
Inverter compressors operate on a very different principle. After turning on the refrigerator, the desired temperature level is reached quickly. It is thanks to the operation of the inverter that the temperature is maintained at an optimal level. At the same time, the power of the inverter unit changes softly and smoothly. In fact, the compressor does not turn off, but only slows down and operates at the power that is sufficient to maintain the required temperature in the chamber. As a result, no temperature fluctuations are observed.
Undoubtedly, inverter systems have many advantages, for example:
Reduced energy consumption compared to refrigerators with linear compressors;
Minimum noise level, since the compressor does not need to work at full power;
Increased service life of the refrigerator due to the absence of periodic cycles of switching on and off.
But why are refrigerators with linear compressors still being produced? With the traditional type of system, many new models are appearing on the market today. Isn't it strange if inverter type compressors have so many advantages? There is nothing surprising in this, since:
The inverter is sensitive to voltage fluctuations;
Refrigerators with an inverter compressor are much more expensive.
Now you can weigh the pros and cons of refrigerators with linear and inverter compressors and make the right choice.
Inverter compressor control technologies More and more manufacturers are beginning to implement it in the refrigerator. But not everyone knows about this new product, and those who have heard do not fully understand the essence of the innovation. We will try to answer questions related to such a control system in this article. What are the differences between this control system and the traditional one? Initially, all compressors worked according to the same principle - turned on, worked and turned off. However, with the advent of inverter compressors, the situation has changed. In conventional refrigerators, to achieve a set temperature, for example +7 degrees, the refrigerator compressor is turned on to maximum, cools the system to the set temperature, and then turns off. This is manifested by repeated relay clicks that can be heard.What are the disadvantages of this way of working? These are constant starts and stops of the compressor, which entails increased loads on the electrical network. The compressor constantly works at full power, which leads to increased energy consumption.
When the air in the chamber gradually heats above the set temperature, the compressor turns on again. Simply put, this method of temperature control can be called “stepped”, while in refrigerators with inverter compressor control it is “smooth”.
A conventional compressor works on this principle:
- the compressor turns on;
- the sensor measures the current temperature in the chamber and compares it with the desired temperature you set;
- if the temperature differs from the desired one, the compressor turns on;
- the compressor operates at full power with 100% load, trying to cool the refrigerator chamber to the set temperature as quickly as possible;
- the sensor periodically checks the current temperature with the desired one;
- when the set temperature is reached, the compressor turns off;
- the sensor in the indoor unit periodically continues to compare the temperature with the set one;
- when the temperature inside rises again a couple of degrees above the desired level, the compressor turns on again at full power;
- and so on in a circle - turned on, worked at full power, turned off.
Now let's look at how an inverter compressor works.
After turning on the refrigerator, the set temperature for storing food is quickly reached, and due to the smooth change in compressor power, a comfortable temperature is maintained. The refrigerator compressor does not turn off completely; it only reduces its “speed” to the level necessary to maintain the set temperature. Therefore, there are almost no temperature fluctuations - it is maintained unchanged.
The advantages of a cooling system with an inverter-controlled compressor are obvious, first of all, reduced energy consumption and lower noise levels. And most importantly, the compressor has a noticeably longer operating life, which allows some companies (for example, to) to provide a guarantee of up to 10 years! More and more manufacturers are using an inverter operation control circuit.
Why are conventional air conditioners still being produced, and why haven’t all manufacturers switched to using inverter compressors? Inverter compressors are better and more reliable than conventional ones in all respects, except cost and sensitivity to voltage drops. As a rule, an inverter is one third more expensive than a similar simple air conditioner. So, now there is a choice - buy equipment based on old technologies or trust progress and become the owner of a new generation refrigerator based on inverter technology.
Many people know that the compressor is the most important part in a refrigerator. But not everyone is able to distinguish between their types. Let's talk about the inverter compressor. What is it and what are its advantages?
Principle of operation
A conventional linear compressor starts at maximum, runs, and turns off automatically when the temperature in the refrigeration chamber reaches the set value. The on/off process is controlled using a relay. If you listen closely, you will definitely hear a characteristic click at the moment of startup and at the moment of shutdown. When your refrigerator hums, you know its motor is running.
Constantly turning it on and off at full power leads to strong heating of the compressor in the refrigerator, over time it may fail, and then you will have to buy a new cooling device. In addition, during startup, the load on the electrical network increases, which leads to increased energy consumption. All this became the reason for the invention of the inverter model. The principle of its operation is as follows.
- First, the inverter compressor turns on (no way without it).
- During its operation, the chamber inside is cooled.
- The operation of the inverter ensures that the chamber maintains the set temperature.
- The compressor slows down, but does not turn off completely.
The work is carried out smoothly and measuredly. Sometimes it is compared to the operation of a car engine driving along an ideal highway. In contrast, a linear compressor is compared to a car driving over bumps, steep inclines and sharp descents.
In more technical terms, the inverter motor converts alternating current into direct current, and then again into alternating current, only at the frequency required for it. A brushless three-phase motor is used. Such engines are also used for the production of measuring, medical equipment, computer, automotive equipment, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages of an inverter compressor
The advantage of an inverter motor is that it saves energy and extends the life of the electrical appliance. You can smoothly and quickly regulate the temperature, while the refrigerator runs much quieter, which is very important for small apartments.
The fact that the refrigerator can last longer is eloquently indicated by the extended warranty period. Many companies extend the warranty period to 10 years because they are confident in the reliability of new models.
The traditional refrigerator with a linear compressor is still popular because it costs less. In addition to the price, a refrigerator with an inverter motor has another drawback. Its design is more complex and it is sensitive to voltage changes in the network. Before purchasing and installing the device, you should make sure that the wiring in your home is reliable and, if necessary, install stabilization devices.
Despite all this, new, more improved models are appearing on the market, attracting buyers to their side. In addition, inverter air conditioners and washing machines are produced. This leads to qualitative changes in household appliances, and also negates the opportunity to repair it yourself in the event of a complex breakdown.
Until recently, only linear compressors were installed in refrigerators. Today, many manufacturers of such refrigeration equipment are beginning to introduce inverter compressors, the operating principle, pros and cons of which you will learn further.
What is an inverter compressor?
This is a device with which you can adjust the speed to obtain a sufficient amount of cold. If previously three compressors were installed in the refrigeration unit, then with this type of compressor only one unit will be required. It turns on without overloads and power surges, and during its operation, energy is saved.
Inverter compressors generate alternating current, and it affects the rotation of the rotor. As soon as it enters the device, an alternating magnetic field is formed inside it, acting on the rotor, and not on the coils, and the EMF is directed. Electromagnets appear inside the device, which, when captured by a magnetic field, drive an asynchronous motor.
The compressor itself plays the role of the “heart muscle” of the steel cooler - when the device starts, it immediately accelerates to maximum power, and then its speed decreases.
Operating principle of an inverter compressor
A refrigerator with such a compress has the following operating principle:
- After receiving a signal from the temperature sensor, the motor starts - the inverter compressor begins to work under the influence of the refrigerant.
- As soon as the required temperature is reached, the sensor transmits a signal to stop working, but the engine does not stop completely, but reduces the intensity and speed of revolutions.
- The refrigerant circulation rate is reduced, but the system continues to cool, so the temperature in the refrigerator remains at the set point, without decreasing or increasing.
- When a certain amount of air escapes when the door is opened, the temperature in the chamber rises and the sensor sends a signal to the motor about the discrepancy. Since the compressor did not stop operating, the system does not restart to restore the temperature, but only increases the speed. So, the inverter compressor constantly works, but with different power - depending on the sensor signals.
It is worth noting that refrigerators with a linear compressor operate at maximum power, and when the cooling temperature you set is reached, the sensors give a corresponding signal and the engine automatically turns off. This process is controlled by a special relay, under the pressure of which, when the engine is turned on and off, a click is triggered and the characteristic hum of the engine is heard.
Consequently, the difference in the operating principle of an inverter compressor from a linear one is that it does not involve complete shutdown when the set cooling temperature is reached, but simply reduces the number and intensity of revolutions.
Pros and cons of an inverter compressor
The strengths of the inverter compressor in the refrigerator are as follows:
- Greater energy savings (stated to be 50%) - compared to linear compressors by 10-20%. This is due to the fact that the inverter compressor operates at full power only when it is first turned on, after which the speed is reduced and the set cooling temperature is only maintained.
- Increased service life of the parts involved in this scheme, since, unlike a linear compressor, the device does not heat up and does not fail after a certain time. All this leads to an increase in the service life of the refrigerator - manufacturers provide a 10-year warranty on it.
- Low noise level of its operation both during startup and during temperature adjustment due to the low speed of the device. The maximum refrigeration unit with such a compressor can produce 38 decibels.
- Maintaining an optimal level of humidity inside the refrigerator. This leads to an increase in the shelf life of products in it; moreover, with this mode, more nutrients are retained in them.
The refrigerator with an inverter device has a beautiful design and can organically fit into any interior of the kitchen area. It has the latest developments for optimal food storage.
But despite such important advantages, the inverter installation still has a couple of disadvantages:
- Response to voltage surges. Electrical failures negatively affect the operation of the compressor. To reduce the risk of its failure, you need to additionally purchase a voltage stabilizer. Without it, the refrigerator may simply turn off during serious surges and will not start again.
- Price. Naturally, models with this type of compressor will cost more, so they are out of reach for many. But considering that a refrigerator is purchased for a long time and the purchase quickly pays for itself by reducing electricity bills, it is worth purchasing a worthwhile item without hesitation.
Comparison of linear and inverter compressor
To choose the type of compressor, you should take into account the comparative table of characteristics:
| Criterion | Description |
| Device resource | The operating life of a linear compressor has limitations, while its inverter counterpart has built-in special motors that do not have brushes, which negatively affect the operating life of the unit. |
| Current value when starting the device | When the device starts, its maximum value is observed. Due to its operation, a linear compressor experiences this much more often than the inverter type of this motor. | In the linear version, energy consumption is clearly regulated, so peak surges occur, which pose a potential danger to all other switched-on household appliances in the home if they occur during a simultaneous power take-off. There are no such problems when using inverter-type refrigerators. |
| Noise level during operation | In a linear device, the maximum power level is constantly used, which is also accompanied by an audible clicking of the relay, which leads to a lot of noise. The inverter type of the device operates almost silently. |
| Adjustment | With smooth temperature control, all circuits and sensors work constantly, and a stable value of the set parameters is also maintained both in the linear and inverter versions. |
| Wear of compressor parts | The low power used when operating moving structures in an inverter apparatus increases its service life, since its parts are not subject to significant loads. |
To understand exactly which type is better, you can compare them with the operation of the engine in a car when it overcomes different road surfaces. Thus, a linear compressor works like a car that overcomes bumpy terrain, while its inverter counterpart rushes along a straight, smooth road.
Video review of inverter compressor
The video shows a cut device taken from a Samsung refrigerator. With this examination, all its running parts will be visible: the shaft and piston, as well as the stators, bearing, and rotor. When cutting the compressor you can see that there are several windings inside. Its failure occurred as a result of a break in one of them. After sealing it, the device started working again:
Nowadays, freezing units with a linear compressor are still popular, but this is only because of their low price compared to the inverter type. New developments are becoming more and more accessible, and their main mechanism is in demand not only in refrigerators, but also in washing machines, air conditioners and other household appliances.
In contact with
For more than a century, the basic configuration of refrigerators has not changed. They consist of a compressor and a refrigeration chamber with a refrigerant supply system through special tubes, regardless of model. But manufacturers are constantly improving refrigerators. Trying to make them less noisy, add savings in energy consumption during operation. One of these is the inverter compressor in the refrigerator, which has its pros and cons. Therefore, in order to understand why it is good, it is worth understanding what IR is and how it works.
How the device works
The operating principle of an inverter refrigerator is easy to show even on an advertising poster
Linear compressors start at their maximum power and switch off automatically when the temperature in the refrigerator reaches a set value. The relay regulates operating processes associated with starting and stopping. It is typical for this element to create an accompanying sound similar to a click at the moment of operation. These sounds and engine noises during operation are clearly audible to surrounding people.
Important! Such compressors are used in the production of computer and medical equipment, in the automotive industry and in the production of measuring instruments.
Constantly starting the engine at full power, alternating with stops, leads to overheating of the compressor. And over time, the refrigerator breaks down. Additionally, each such switching on of the engine increases the load on the electrical network. This is not economical due to unnecessary energy consumption. The solution to optimizing the efficiency and duration of operation of cooling devices was the invention of an alternative to old devices. Inverter models have become such an innovation.
Principle of operation:
- the compressor is turned on;
- while working, it cools the inner chamber;
- the action of the inverter is aimed at maintaining a given temperature in the chamber;
- With such a system, the compressor, while slowing down for a while, does not turn off completely.
The operation of the device occurs smoothly in a measured mode. You can draw a parallel that will clearly show the difference in the operation of linear and inverter compressors. If we compare it with the operation of a car engine, then an inverter is a car that drives along a perfectly flat road. A linear type compressor is suitable for driving on uneven dirt roads with steep ascents and descents.
Advanced models use brushless three-phase motors. They are also used in the production of modern measuring and medical equipment, and other latest engineering developments.
Advantages of an inverter refrigerator
A refrigerator with an inverter compressor produces minimal noise
Like all devices, inverter refrigerators have both advantages and disadvantages. But despite all the disadvantages, they are increasingly gaining popularity among buyers.
The main advantages of the device:
- Reducing electricity consumption. Manufacturers claim that consumption can be reduced by up to 40% when compared with linear compressors.
- Increasing the service life of the device. Due to the lower power, its individual parts are subject to reduced mechanical stress. Therefore, they do not wear out so quickly during work. To confirm this, manufacturers guarantee each of their devices up to 10 years of uninterrupted operation.
- Quiet working process. This effect was achieved by low inverter speeds.
- Improved food storage conditions. The inverter compressor ensures that there are no temperature changes due to its constant smooth operation. This promotes long-term storage of food.
Features and Disadvantages
Uninterruptible power supply will protect your device from frequent breakdowns
There are some features that prevent people from purchasing inverter-type household appliances en masse. One of these is the high price. The cost difference with devices equipped with linear compressors is approximately 30%. Continuously operating inverter compressors, unlike non-inverter compressors, have a larger number of electronic components. They are designed to be responsible for converting variable frequencies and voltages. Such retrofitting affects the price of a refrigerator of this type.
Important! The inverter type of compressor has five different intensity levels. They help the refrigerator adapt to environmental fluctuations and mechanical impacts of varying strength.
It is also important to know that when purchasing inverter refrigerators, you need to ensure their uninterrupted operation. Due to the increased vulnerability of the device to interruptions in the current supply, it may fail or allow excessive consumption of electricity. Therefore, it is worth worrying in advance about the serviceability of the wiring in the house and maintaining the voltage in the network at the required level. You will definitely need to buy a UPS or voltage stabilizer.
Inverter refrigerators have less accuracy in temperature control
It should also be noted that inverter refrigerators have less accuracy in temperature control. This is due to the fact that the device works continuously, which is why the settings constantly fail.
If the issue of inflated short-term financial costs is not important and there is an understanding of savings in the future, then it is necessary to buy improved refrigeration units.
Popular models with inverter compressor
Samsung inverter refrigerator
In order to truly evaluate the quality, operational efficiency and other functionality, manufacturers subject refrigeration units of this type to lengthy studies. A competent assessment of all these parameters will allow the devices to be durable, safe and, importantly, achieve a high level of ergonomics.
Therefore, only companies that have sufficient conditions for testing devices can launch the production of such models of refrigerators. Today there is the following gradation of brands that produce them.
Popular models of refrigerators with inverter compressor:
- Samsung;
- Hitachi;
- Mitsubishi;
- Sharp;
- Kaiser;
Hitachi inverter refrigerator
All other manufacturers who manufacture refrigeration units with this type of compressor present their own models for sale in a total amount equal to only 3% of the total market. Of course, this does not mean the low quality of products from such brands. But they may offer a lower warranty than manufacturers who have not only produced more, but also tested their electrical appliances to a high level.
Inverter equipment can be equipped with several compressors if it has two separate refrigeration chambers with different temperatures. This design makes it possible to simplify the process of distributing cold between the opening and the predominantly closed ones.
Inverter refrigeration equipment is slowly but confidently gaining popularity among buyers. All this happens thanks to the high technical characteristics of the devices. The latest models of refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and other “human assistants in everyday life” with similar equipment are appearing.
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