Inverter compressor in the refrigerator: what is it, the principle of operation, differences from linear

Until recently, only linear compressors were installed in refrigerators. Today, many manufacturers of such refrigeration equipment begin to introduce inverter compressors, on the principle of operation, the pros and cons of which you will learn later.

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 needed. It turns on without overloads and power surges; 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 coil, the emf is sent. Electromagnets appear inside the apparatus, which, when captured by a magnetic field, drive an induction motor.

Inverter compressor working principle

A refrigerator with such a compress has the following principle of operation:

1. After receiving a signal from the temperature sensor, the motor starts - the inverter compressor starts to work under the influence of the refrigerant.
2. As soon as the required temperature is reached, the sensor transmits a signal about the termination of work, but the engine does not stop completely, but reduces the intensity and speed of revolutions.
3. The rate of circulation of the refrigerant is reduced, but the system continues to cool, so the temperature in the refrigerator remains at the set point, without decreasing or increasing.
4. When a certain part of the air escapes when the door is opened, the temperature in the chamber rises and the sensor transmits a non-compliance signal to the motor. Since the compressor did not stop its operation, the system does not start again to restore the temperature regime, but only increases the speed. So, the inverter compressor is constantly working, 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 achieved the cooling temperature you set, the sensors give the appropriate signal, and the engine automatically disconnected. This process is controlled by a special relay, under pressure of which, when the engine is turned on or off, a click is triggered and a characteristic engine hum is heard.

Pros and cons of inverter compressor

The strengths of the inverter compressor in the refrigerator are as follows:

• Big energy savings (claimed to be 50%) - compared with linear compressors by 10-20%. This is due to the fact that the inverter compressor at full power only works when it is first turned on, after which the speed is reduced, and only the set cooling temperature is maintained.
• The increased service life of the parts involved in this scheme, because 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 life of the refrigerator - manufacturers give it a guarantee of 10 years.
• The low noise level of its operation both at startup and during temperature control due to the small revolutions of the device. The maximum refrigeration unit with such a compressor can produce 38 decibels.
• Maintaining optimal humidity levels inside the refrigerator. This leads to an increase in the period of storage of products in it, moreover, with this mode, they retain more nutrients.

But with such important advantages in an inverter installation, there are still a couple of disadvantages:

• Response to voltage drops. Failure of electricity negatively affects the operation of the compressor. To reduce the risk of failure, you must additionally purchase a voltage stabilizer. Without it, the refrigerator during serious jumps can simply turn off and will no longer start.
• Price. Naturally, models with this type of compressor will cost more, so they are not available to many. But given the fact that the refrigerator is purchased for a long time and the purchase quickly pays off by reducing the payment for electricity, it is worth buying a worthwhile thing without hesitation.

Comparison of linear and inverter compressor

To choose the type of compressor, it is worth taking into account the comparative table of characteristics:

Criterion	Description
Device resource	The life of the linear compressor has limitations, while in its inverter analogue are built-in special motors without brushes that adversely affect the operating time unit.
Current value at device startup	When the device starts, its maximum value is observed. By virtue of its operation, a linear compressor experiences it much more often than the inverter type of this motor.
Network load	In the linear version, energy consumption is clearly normalized, therefore, peak jumps occur that carry potential danger to all other included household appliances in housing if they fall at the time of simultaneous selection power. When using inverter-type refrigerators, there are no such problems.
Noise level during the work	In a linear device, the maximum power level is constantly used, which is also accompanied by an audible click of the relay, which leads to large noise. The inverter type of the device works almost silently.
Adjustment	With smooth temperature control, all circuits and sensors work continuously, and the set values ​​of the parameters are also stable at both the linear and inverter versions.
Compressor parts wear	The low power used in the operation of moving structures in the inverter apparatus increases its service life, since its parts are not subjected to significant loads.

To understand exactly which of the varieties is better, you can compare them with the engine in the car when it overcomes different road surfaces. So, a linear compressor works like a car that overcomes bumpy terrain, and an inverter analog rushes along a straight smooth path.

Masters note! Step-by-step instruction, how to check the compressor in the refrigerator.

Inverter compressor video review

The video shows the device in a cut form, taken from the Samsung refrigerator. With this consideration, all of its running parts will be visible: the shaft and piston, as well as the stators, bearing, rotor. When cutting the compressor, you can see that there are several windings inside. His failure occurred as a result of the breakdown of one of them. After sealing it, the device again worked:

Freezers with a linear compressor are still popular, but this is only because of their low price in comparison with the inverter type. New developments are becoming more accessible, and their main mechanism is in demand not only in refrigerators, but also in washing machines, air conditioners and other household appliances.