Refrigerant Cycle - Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerator Service Manual

Section E - Refrigeration System

Refrigerant Cycle

The refrigerant cycle is a continuous cycle that occurs whenever the compressor
is in operation. Liquid refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator by the heat that
enters the cabinet through the insulated walls and by the heat from product load
and door openings. The refrigerant vapor is then drawn from the evaporator,
through the suction line to the compressor. Compression raises the pressure and
temperature of the vapor in the compressor and the vapor is then forced through
the discharge valve into the discharge line and into the condenser. Air passing over
the condenser surface removes heat from the high pressure vapor which then
condenses to a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then flows from the condenser to the
evaporator through the small diameter liquid line (capillary tube). Before it enters
the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant is sub-cooled in the heat exchanger by the low
temperature suction vapor in the suction line.
LOW OR HIGH SIDE LEAK OR UNDERCHARGE
A loss of refrigerant can result in any of the following:
1. Excessive or continuous compressor operation.
2. Above normal freezer and /or food compartment temperature.
3. A partially frosted evaporator (depending on amount of refrigerant loss).
4. Low suction pressure (vacuum).
5. Low wattage.
The condenser will be "warm to cool", depending on the amount of refrigerant lost.
When refrigerant is added, the frost pattern will improve, the suction and discharge
pressures will rise, the condenser will become hot and the wattage will increase.
In the case of a low side refrigerant leak resulting in complete loss of refrigerant,
the compressor will run but will not refrigerate. Suction pressure will drop below
atmospheric pressure and air and moisture will be drawn into the system
saturating the filter drier.
If there is reason to believe the system has operated for a considerable length of
time with no refrigerant and the leak occurred in the evaporator, excessive amounts
of moisture may have entered the system. In such cases the compressor may
need to be replaced to prevent repetitive service.
If a slight undercharge of refrigerant is indicated and no leak can be found after a
thorough leak test, the charge can be corrected without changing the compressor.
If a high side leak is located and some refrigerant remains in the system it is not
necessary to change the compressor.
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