What Is a Refrigerator Compressor?

In most fridges, there is a refrigeration system that helps keep food at a safe temperature. Fridges have the help of four main components: compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve.

A fridge can have both freezer compressor or refrigerator compressor parts. However, most fridges will use a refrigerator compressor.

The refrigerator compressor is the component that works directly with each component to ensure the fridge is running smoothly. Refrigerator compressors also control and compress the flow of liquid refrigerant. This plays a crucial role in the refrigeration system.

The refrigerator compressor is one of the four main components located inside your fridge that helps with refrigeration.

This blog will focus on the function of a refrigerator compressor for the fridge. It will also discuss the different types of compressors available for fridges.

A refrigerator compressor acts as the heart of the refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle begins when the evaporator coils convert the liquid refrigerant into a low-pressure gas. The compressor receives this lower pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and converts it into a higher-pressure gas.

The high-pressure gas generates a lot of heat which increases the pressure and temperature inside the compressor. Then, the high-pressure gas moves into the condenser coil where it condenses back into liquid. As the gas moves into the condenser, more heat is given off as the cooling cycle begins in your refrigerator.

The new liquid refrigerant moves into the expansion valve. The expansion valve provides and controls the flow of refrigerant in a low-pressure liquid form.

At this point, you may be asking yourself "Ok I know how my refrigerator compressor works, but what type of compressor do I need? Will this refrigeration compressor work with my fridge? Which commercial refrigerator do I need?"

What are the types of refrigerator compressors?

As mentioned above, refrigeration compressors are one of the main components of your refrigerator. Choosing the right one is essential for keeping a cold air temperature in your fridge. But what is the difference between reciprocating, centrifugal, and rotary compressors?

Reciprocating Compressors

One type of compressor is a reciprocating compressor. Reciprocating compressors use a piston-based operation, similar to a combustion engine. As the piston moves up and down, refrigerant from the evaporator pumps in. As the temperature and pressure increases, compressed refrigerant gas flows out of the compressor into the condenser.

Centrifugal Compressors

Another type of refrigeration compressor is the centrifugal compressor. Centrifugal compressors take refrigerant in liquid form. Then, the compressor converts the refrigerant into kinetic energy by spinning it through a rotating impeller.

When the variable speed of the impeller increases, the kinetic energy heats up the temperature of the refrigerant. The heat converts the liquid into refrigerant gas. Temperature sensors inside the compressor release and pump high-pressure gas into the condenser. This process is the start of a new cycle of cooling.

Rotary Compressors

Rotary-Vane compressors utilize a rotating drive shaft with vanes that split into suction and discharge sections. Pistons rotate to increase and decrease the volume between the sections. The rotation allows for continuous pressure building up and releasing as it spins.

Rotary-Screw compressors use two male and female rotors that spin in opposite directions. These rotors also trap and compress the refrigerant between the rotors as air travels through.

Rotary-Scroll compressors use fixed and orbiting scrolls to suck pockets of refrigerant into the center. This is where the refrigerant gets compressed WITHOUT the use of pistons.

Top Mounted vs. Bottom Mounted Compressors

Refrigerators can have compressors mounted onto the top or the bottom. Top-mounted compressors are best for dry storage areas. You'll find top-mounted compressors in areas where the floor can become dusty or covered in spills. Bottom-mounted compressors are best for hot areas and line cook applications.

Top Mounted Compressor

Pros:

• Does not need to be cleaned as often
• Energy efficient
• Ideal for cooler environments
• More top storage
• Refrigerants don’t have to run through the back as all of the components are in the same place
• Tend to last longer and require fewer service calls

Cons:

• Harder to get to for maintenance which can increase repair cost
• Hot air released can be hazardous for low ceilings
• Higher initial cost

Bottom Mounted Compressor

Pros

• Higher bottom shelves
• Easier to access, making maintenance and cleaning easier
• Ideal for warmer environments
• Low initial cost

Cons

• Compressors are likely to get dirtier more frequently
• Refrigerant runs from the bottom to the top through the back of the fridge, eliminating some storage space

Bottom mounted and Top-mounted compressors offer great benefits for any commercial kitchen application. Be sure to pick the one that best fits your needs to maximize the benefits.