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Electronic systems
Top-freezers
(22 and 25 cu. ft. GE Profile Arctica models):
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This innovative system consists of electronic (thumbwheel or digital) controls and three
electronic temperature sensors.
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The electronic sensors located throughout the refrigerator monitor the surrounding (ambient)
air temperature and communicate their readings to the main control board.
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If the fresh food section needs more cool air, as determined by the temperature sensor, the
main control board will activate a fan that circulates cold air from the freezer to achieve the
desired temperature. Instead of a damper, an opening to the fresh food section from the
freezer allows the fan to move the cold air to where it is needed.
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If the freezer needs to be colder, the temperature sensor alerts the main control board to
turn on the compressor and evaporator fan. The compressor runs until the desired set
temperature is achieved.
Side-by-sides
(all GE and Profile Arctica models)
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This system consists of electronic (rotary dial or digital touch) controls and up to five
electronic temperature sensors.
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This system works in much the same way as described above. The major differences are the
number of sensors used to monitor temperatures and the use of the damper and a fresh food
fan instead of an opening from the freezer.
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When the fresh food section requires more cold air, the damper opens and a fan moves cold
freezer air into the area until the desired temperature is reached. Then, the damper closes
again. The fan reduces the cool down time.
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When the freezer section requires more cold air, the main control board energizes the
compressor and evaporator fan until the set temperature is reached.
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The controls come preset at the factory at 37°F (or 5) and 0°F (or 5).
Benefits of electronic temperature management
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Better temperature control
—Separate temperature sensing in the fresh food and freezer compartments means
the temperature of one compartment doesn’t affect the temperature in the other nearly as much as with other
systems, as each is controlled independently.
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Less temperature fluctuation
—Swings in refrigerator temperature won’t be as dramatic.
Temperature management
Refrigerators keep items cool to prolong their shelf life. While all refrigerators keep foods cool, how they manage
temperature makes a difference in how long and how well foods are preserved.
A leading consumer magazine advises refrigerator buyers to closely consider the temperature performance of
refrigerators prior to purchase. A quality refrigerator will:
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Keep optimal, uniform temperatures in both the freezer and fresh food sections simultaneously.
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Maintain internal temperatures at desired levels despite changes in room temperature or frequent door openings.
GE is taking a bold and innovative step ahead in the area of temperature management. Many models will now
feature ELECTRONIC TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
To better understand refrigerator temperature performance and how internal cooling temperatures are regulated,
here is a review of several types of refrigerator temperature management systems.
GE Profile
™
and GE
®
Refrigeration
Types of temperature management systems