Refrigerator & Freezer - Sealed System Operation

A refrigerator or freezer "sealed system" is also referred to as the cooling system.

 

How the "sealed system" works:

1. The compressor compresses gas (refrigerant) and pumps it into the condenser.

2. The process of compressing heats the gas.

3. The hot gas is above room temperature, so the air flowing over the condenser coils cools the gas, causing it to condense into a liquid.

4. The heat coming off the condenser is either blown out the front or rear of the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the model.

5. From the condenser, the liquid refrigerant passes through a small diameter tube called a capillary tube.

6. The capillary tube slowly meters the liquid refrigerant into the evaporator where it evaporates to produce the cooling effect.

7. The refrigerant gas is then drawn out of the evaporator through a tube called the suction line by the compressor. This is a continuously occurring process.