Components of a Freezer

Main Components

• All freezers are equipped with a compressor, condenser, capillary tube, evaporator, temperature control system and a refrigerant gas. Refrigerant gases are the primary heat exchange material used in freezers, according to a technical report published by the government of Alberta, Canada.

Compressor

• The compressor, or the engine of a freezer system, is attached to the outside of a freezer. It compresses a refrigerant gas – gas that liquefies easily under pressure and absorbs large amounts of heat – and injects it into the condenser. Refrigerant gases such as R22 (chlorodifluoromethane), R410A (Puron), ammonia and R417A are common to refrigeration equipment.

Condenser

• The condenser comprises a grid of coils or tubes fixed to the outer side of a freezer. It accepts the high-pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor and converts it into its liquid state. The liquid refrigerant then passes through the condenser coils before it meets the capillary tube. It is not uncommon for the condenser coils to collect dust and pet hair, which is why it is important that they be cleaned on a routine basis in order for the cooling system to function efficiently.

Capillary Tube

• A capillary tube, or metering device, is a tiny copper tube that connects the condenser with the evaporator. Its purpose is to control the flow and pressure of the liquid refrigerant as it flows into the evaporator. The refrigerant only enters the capillary tube once it travels the entire length of the condenser.

Evaporator

• The evaporator accepts the liquid refrigerant from the capillary tube and reconverts it to a gaseous state. The gaseous refrigerant then travels through the tubes of the evaporator to enter the compressor to restart the circulation. The evaporator is either integrated within the wall of the freezer or concealed behind a panel. Its end is connected to the condenser to form a continuous loop.

Temperature Control

• Freezers have temperature control thermostats to maintain optimal temperature. These are simple devices that are programmed to cut the flow of electricity to the compressor once the freezer reaches a desired temperature.