GE PSH23SGNAFBS TECHNICAL SERVICE GUIDE

GE Consumer Home Services T raining

TECHNICAL SERVICE GUIDE

Arctica Side-By-Side Refrigerator

Inverter Compressor

Low Noise - High Performance

MODEL SERIES:

PSH23SGNAFBS

PUB # 31-9090 02/02

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

The information in this service guide is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical, electronic, and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a major appliance may result in personal injury and property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.

WARNING

To avoid personal injury, disconnect power before servicing this product. If electrical power is required for diagnosis or test purposes, disconnect the power immediately after performing the necessary checks.

RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES

If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts, or washers used to complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be returned to their original position and properly fastened.

GE Consumer Home Services Training

Technical Service Guide

All rights reser ved. This service guide may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without written permission from the General Electric Company.

Table of Contents

Introduction ..........................................................................................................2

Specifications.......................................................................................................3

Nomenclature ....................................................................................................... 4

Component Locator Views..................................................................................5

Principals of Refrigeration .................................................................................. 6

Phases of Refrigeration .................................................................................. 6

Dryer..................................................................................................................8

Filter .................................................................................................................. 8

Capillary ............................................................................................................9

Heat Exchanger ................................................................................................ 9

Refrigeration System ......................................................................................... 10

System Pressure............................................................................................ 11

Refrigerant Charge ........................................................................................ 11

Inverter Compressor ..................................................................................... 12

Inverter ........................................................................................................... 14

Adaptive Defrost ................................................................................................ 16

Fans.....................................................................................................................18

Evaporator Fan ...............................................................................................18

Condenser Fan ............................................................................................... 20

Fresh Food Fan .............................................................................................. 21

Main Control Board ........................................................................................... 22

Diagnostics ......................................................................................................... 29

Compressor Not Running Flowcharts ......................................................... 29

Fresh Food Warm - Freezer Normal Flowchart...........................................30

Fresh Food Too Cold - Freezer Normal Flowchart ..................................... 31

Fresh Food Warm - Freezer Warm Flowchart ............................................. 32

Freezer Warm - Fresh Food Normal Flowchart...........................................33

Refrigerator Dead - No Sound, No Cooling Flowchart .............................. 34

Damper Not Operating Flowchart ................................................................35

Heavy Frost on Evaporator Flowchart.........................................................36

Evaporator Fan Not Running Flowchart......................................................37

Condenser Fan Not Running Flowchart......................................................38

Thermistors .................................................................................................... 39

Schematic ........................................................................................................... 40

Wiring Diagram ............................................................................................... 41

Parts List.............................................................................................................42

Warranty .............................................................................................................. 43

– 1 –

Introduction

This new Arctica refrigerator is similar to previous Arctica models with the following exceptions:

• Compressor type

• Compressor control

• 3-speed condenser fan

• 3-speed fresh food fan The new inverter compressor has 3 speeds and is not controlled from the 120 VAC side of the main

control board. The compressor is controlled by an inverter that receives input from the low voltage DC side of the main control board. The main control board still makes compressor decisions based on the input of 4 thermistors, door-open time, and input from the temperature control panel.

The other significant difference from previous models is that the main control board now operates the condenser fan and fresh food fan at three different speeds. Both fans are actually the same fans found on previous models.

The new Arctica with inverter compressor is also more efficient than previous models. The increased efficiency provided by the inverter compressor allows this refrigerator to receive an Energy Star rating. The Energy Star rating means the refrigerator consumes 10% less energy than the Department of Energy standard for the specific cabinet size.

This refrigerator is also 5 to 7 decibels quieter than previous models. This technical service guide covers the new features of this new Arctica refrigerator. For information on

features and components that are common to previous Arctica refrigerators, refer to pub #31-9072.

– 2 –

Specifications

DISCONNECT POWER CORD BEFORE SERVICING IMPORTANT - RECONNECT ALL GROUNDING DEVICES

All parts of this appliance capable of conducting electrical current are grounded. If grounding wires, screws, straps, clips, nuts or washers used to complete a path to ground are removed for service, they must be returned to their original position and properly fastened.

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Temperature Control (Position 5) ......................... 7-(-11 )°F

Defrost Control .......................................... 60hrs @ 45 min

w/ no door openings

Overtemperature Thermostat ..............................140-110°F

Defrost Thermistor ........................................................ 70°F

Electrical Rating: 115V AC 60 Hz ......................... 11.6 Amp

Maximum Current Leakage ................................... 0.75 mA

Maximum Ground Path Resistance .................. 0.14 Ohms

Energy Consumption . ..................................... 51 KWH/mo

NO LOAD PERFORMANCE

Control Position MID/MID

and Ambient of: ............................................... 70°F 90°F

Fresh Food, °F ................................................ 34-40 34-40

Frozen Food, °F .............................................. (-3) 3 (-3) 3

Run Time, % ...................................................... <80 <100

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Refrigerant Charge (R134a) ............................... 6.0 ounces

Compressor ....................................................833 BTU/hr @

3000 RPM

Minimum Compressor Capacity ......................... 22 inches

Minimum Equalized Pressure

@ 70°F ....................................................................... 45 PSIG

@ 90°F ....................................................................... 57 PSIG

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

This information is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical, electronic and mechanical experience. Any attempt to repair a major appliance may result in personal injury and property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of this information, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.

INSTALLATION

Minimum clearance required for air circulation:

TOP ............................................................................................. 1"

SIDES ................................................................................... 0.125"

REAR ........................................................................................ 0.5"

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Temperature Control ...................................... WR55x10023

Inverter ............................................................. WR55x10155

Overtemperature Thermostat ........................ WR50x10015

Defrost Heater Harness & Thermostat ......... WR23x10142

Defrost Heater & Bracket ............................... WR51x10030

Condenser Fan Motor ..................................... WR60x10042

Evaporator Fan Motor .................................... WR60x10043

Main Board ...................................................... WR55x10156

Dispenser Board.............................................. WR55x10029

Thermistor (EV) ............................................... WR55x10025

Thermistor (FZ) ............................................... WR55x10026

Thermistor (FF)................................................ WR55x10027

Thermistor (FF)................................................ WR55x10028

Thermistor (CC) ............................................... WR55x10030

Compressor ..................................................... WR87x10064

FF Fan Motor ................................................... WR60x10051

Damper ............................................................ WR60x10052

AIR FLOW

– 3 –

Nomenclature

P S H 23 S G N A F BS

Brand/Product

G - GE H - Hotpoint P - Profile E - Eterna S - GE Select

Configuration

S - Side by Side T - Top Mount

Depth/Power

H - Inverter Compressor S - Standard Depth T - Tropical G - Global

Capacity

(cubic feet) AHAM Rated Volume

Interior Features/Shelves

A - Leader Wire D - Deluxe Wire I - Deluxe Glass K - Spillproof/Slideout Glass F - 6 Month filter S - Stainless S teel Doors Q - Showcase Derivative U - A VB Derivative W - HPS Derivative X - Regional Derivative

Exterior Color

BS - Black on Stainless WW - White on White AA - Almond on Almond BB - Black on Black CC - Bisque on Bisque WH - White on Black

Door T ype

F - Flat R - Right L - Left Door Swing

Engineering

A - Initial Design B - 1st Revision

Model Year

N - 2002

Icemaker/Exterior

B - Non Dispenser IM Ready D - Cubed Ice/Water E - Cubed/Crushed/Water F - 6-Month Filter Cubed/Crushed G - 1-Y ear Filter Cubed/Crushed I - In-line Filter/Indicator Cubed/Crushed/Water

The rating plate, located on the upper left wall of the fresh food compartment, contains the model and serial numbers. Additionally , the rating plate specifies the minimum installation clearances, electrical voltage, frequency, maximum amperage rating, and refrigerant charge, and type.

– 4 –

Inverter

Component Locator Views

Main Control Board

Current-Source

Circuit Board

Inverter CompressorInverter Compressor

Evaporator

– 5 –

Accumulator

Principals of Refrigeration

Phases of Refrigeration

The compressor is the heart of any refrigeration system. It serves as a pump to circulate the refrigerant and create pressure within the system. When the compressor is operating, one side of the system is at high pressure and the other side is at low pressure. This difference in pressure creates a temperature difference that allows heat to be removed from inside the cabinet and transferred to the outside of the cabinet.

The 3 phases of the refrigeration system are:

• Compression

• Condensation – occurs on the “high side” of the system

••

• Evaporation – occurs on the “low side” of the system

••

Compression While the compressor is operating, refrigerant vapor is discharged into the condenser. A capillary (small

diameter tube) is connected to the outlet of the condenser . The capillary tube restricts the amount of refrigerant that leaves the condenser . As the compressor continues to pump refrigerant into the condenser, this restriction causes pressure to build in the condenser. Typical operating pressure in the condenser in the inverter compressor system is 85 to 90 psig in an ambient temperature of 75 °F.

Condensation The compressed refrigerant vapor entering the condenser is warmer than the temperature of the room.

As the refrigerant travels though the condenser , the heat from the high-pressure vapor is transferred to the condenser , which transfers heat to the surrounding air (by convection). As heat is removed from the high-pressure vapor, it begins to condense into a high-pressure liquid. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows to the end of the condenser and is forced into the capillary tube.

Evaporation High-pressure liquid refrigerant travels through the capillary and exits at a very high rate of speed into the

much-larger tubing of the evaporator . Low pressure in the evaporator, caused by the suction of the compressor (typically 0 to 5 psig in the inverter compressor) causes the liquid refrigerant to vaporize. Approximately 30% of the refrigerant will vaporize immediately upon exiting the capillary . The remaining refrigerant will vaporize as it travels through the evaporator . As the refrigerant vaporizes, it absorbs heat. Heat inside the cabinet is transferred (by convection) to the evaporator because the evaporator temperature is lower than the cabinet air temperature. Refrigerant exiting the evaporator should have completely vaporized so that only vapor is returned to the compressor through the suction line. However , under certain conditions some refrigerant may remain in liquid form as it exit s the evaporator.

The mixture of refrigerant (vapor and liquid) is known as “refrigerant quality .” Refrigerant that has a higher ratio of vapor to liquid has a higher quality . Completely vaporized refrigerant has a quality rating of 100%. Refrigeration that is completely liquid has a quality rating of 0%. Refrigerant that is exiting the evaporator should have a quality rating of 100%. Refrigerant that is exiting the condenser should have a quality rating of 0%. Refrigerant quality is an important part of refrigeration system efficiency.

– 6 –

SINGLE-SPEED COMPRESSOR

70-135 PSIG 85-90 PSIG at 75 ˚F Ambient

CONDENSER

FILTER-DRYER

COMPRESSOR

CAPILLARY

0-5 PSIG 1-2 PSIG at

75 ˚F Ambient

EVAPORATOR

HIGH PRESSURE VAPOR

MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR

HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID

LOW PRESSURE LIQUID

MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR

LOW PRESSURE VAPOR

GEA01261

– 7 –

Dryer

The refrigeration system must be free from dirt and moisture. A single particle of dirt, or one drop of water, can cause the system to fail. For this reason, a dryer is a necessary component of the refrigeration system. The dryer consists of a strainer at the inlet, a molecular sieve of beads, and a screen at the outlet. The beads have the ability to attract and absorb molecules of water but reject the molecules of refrigerant, oil, nitrogen, and most other substances. The strainer prevents the beads from spilling into the inlet. The fine mesh screen prevents particles (including crushed beads) from plugging the capillary tube. The dryer is normally located between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the capillary .

SUCTION TUBE

EVAPORATOR

COMPRESSOR

DRYER

CONDENSER

CAPILLARY

SCREEN

STRAINER

Filter

A filter is provided in some refrigeration systems and furnished with some replacement compressors. The filter has the appearance of a large diameter dryer. It has a very fine mesh screen located at the outlet and a solid core, made of a special porous material, that is capable of chemically removing contaminants from the system. An arrow, stamped on the body of the filter, indicates the proper direction of flow.

A filter/dryer combination is furnished with replacement compressors for systems using R134a refrigerant. A new filter/dryer must be installed any time an R134a system is repaired. An additional 0.5 oz of refrigerant is required when a filter/dryer is added to the high side of the system.

MOLECULAR

SIEVE OF BEADS

GEA01257

– 8 –

GEA01258

Capillary

GEA01256

CAPILLARY

CONDENSER

COMPRESSOR

SUCTION TUBE

EVAPORATOR

DRYER

The capillary is a very small diameter tube that is about 6 to 8 feet long. Its primary function is to control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator . The flow rate of a capillary is determined by its diameter and is critical to the proper operation of the refrigeration system. If a capillary is shortened, the flow rate will increase. Likewise, if it is lengthened the flow rate will decrease. Therefore, when repairing a refrigeration system it is very important to cut the capillary as close as possible to the outlet of the dryer . The capillary is not replaceable separately .

Heat Exchanger

The function of the heat exchanger is to transfer heat from the warm liquid flowing through the capillary to the cool vapor flowing through the suction tube. The heat exchange occurs where the capillary is soldered to the outside of the suction tube. This arrangement improves the efficiency of the system. By reducing the heat of the capillary , the boiling point of the liquid entering the evaporator is lowered. Increasing the heat of the suction tube increases the density of the vapor entering the compressor and also helps to prevent the suction tube from sweating.

– 9 –

Refrigeration System

The refrigeration system has several new components as well as several familiar ones. New components include:

• Inverter compressor

• Inverter

• 3-speed condenser fan

• Accumulator at the outlet of the evaporator

Familiar components include:

• Condenser

• Condenser loop

• Dryer

• Evaporator

• Evaporator fan

The refrigeration system operates with optimum efficiency and economy by changing the speed of the compressor (and condenser fan) to meet demand. During times of high usage, or in extremely warm ambient conditions, the 3-speed, inverter compressor will increase speed to meet greater refrigeration requirements. When usage is low, the compressor will operate at a slower speed, reducing its energy requirement.

In the new system with the inverter compressor, the flow of refrigerant through the components in the system is the same as previous models with the following exception: an accumulator has been added to the outlet side of the evaporator.

EVAPORATOR FAN

ACCUMULATOR

EVAPORATOR

3-SPEED CONDENSER FAN

INVERTER COMPRESSOR

CONDENSER

CONDENSER LOOP

INVERTER

– 10 –

GEA01262

An accumulator has been installed at the outlet of the evaporator to prevent liquid refrigerant (low quality) from entering the suction line. Changes in compressor speed (transition state) can temporarily reduce refrigerant quality . The accumulator compensates for this by collecting and holding up to 2 oz of liquid while allowing vapor to pass. Within minutes after the compressor speed change, the system attains a steady state (becomes stabilized), the liquid refrigerant in the accumulator vaporizes, and refrigerant quality returns to normal.

Accumulator

Steady State

INVERTER COMPRESSOR

70-135 PSIG 85-90 PSIG at 75 ˚F Ambient

CONDENSER EVAPORATOR

FILTER-DRYER

COMPRESSOR

CAPILLARY

ACCUMULATOR

HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID

0-5 PSIG 1-2 PSIG at 75 ˚F Ambient

HIGH PRESSURE VAPOR

MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR

Transition State

INVERTER COMPRESSOR

70-135 PSIG 85-90 PSIG at 75 ˚F Ambient

CONDENSER EVAPORATOR

FILTER-DRYER

LOW PRESSURE LIQUID

MIX OF LIQUID AND VAPOR

LOW PRESSURE VAPOR

COMPRESSOR

CAPILLARY

ACCUMULATOR

LIQUID ENTERS THE ACCUMULATOR

0-5 PSIG 1-2 PSIG at 75 ˚F Ambient

GEA01263

System Pressure

The refrigeration system should maintain a consistent pressure regardless of compressor speed. Pressure variations, due to changing compressor speed, are minimized by matching the condenser fan speed and evaporator fan speed to the compressor speed. The condenser and evaporator fans will always operate at the same speed (low, medium, or high) as the compressor.

Low side system pressure should be between 0 and 5 psig dependant on ambient temperature. System pressures in an ambient temperature of 75 °F should be:

••

• High Side – 85 to 90 psig

••

• Low Side – 1 to 2 psig

••

Refrigerant Charge

The refrigerant used in the sealed system is R134a. Proper system charge is 6 oz; however, an additional 0.5 oz is required when adding a filter/dryer . Proper system charge is critical to the operation of this unit.

– 11 –

Inverter Compressor

The new inverter compressor is not controlled by 120 VAC output from the main control board, as in previous models. The compressor is controlled by the inverter.

Warning: Disconnecting the 6-pin connector does not disconnect power (120 VAC) from the inverter. The refrigerator must be unplugged before servicing the inverter or compressor.

Caution: Do not attempt to direct-start the compressor. The compressor operates on a 3-phase power supply . Applying 120 V AC to the compressor will permanently damage the unit. It is not possible to start the compressor without an inverter.

The compressor is a reciprocating, variable speed, 4-pole type. It operates on 3-phase, 80 to 230 V AC within a range of 57 to 104 Hz. Compressor speed is controlled by voltage frequency and pulse width modulation. Increasing frequency from the inverter will produce an increase in compressor speed.

6-PIN

CONNECTOR

CURRENT-SOURCE

CIRCUIT BOARD

LOW VOLTA GE DC

CIRCUIT

CLASS 2

+12 VDC

INVERTER

ORANGE

ANGE

GE N A R O

BROWN B

10Ω

Ω

COMPRESSOR

LUE

PURPLE

2 J4-

J4-3

10Ω

BROWN

TAB 4

BRO

MAIN CONTROL BOARD

10 J3-

LINE VOLTAGE

GEA01260

• Frequency of 57 Hz will produce low speed operation at 1710 rpm.

• Frequency of 70 Hz will produce medium speed at 2100 rpm.

• Frequency of 104 Hz will produce 3120 rpm.

Note: Certain voltmeters will not be able to read voltage output or frequency from the inverter. Compressor wattages at various speeds are:

• LOW - 65 watts

• MED - 100 watts

• HIGH - 150 watts

BTU rating also varies according to operating speed. Compressor speed is based on the temperature setpoint in conjunction with the cabinet temperature.

Speeds are selected according to the following cabinet temperatures:

• 8 °F to 19.5 °F above setpoint = high speed

• 3.5 °F to 7.5 °F above setpoint = medium speed

• 1 °F to 3 °F above setpoint = low speed

Note: The compressor will run at medium speed if the cabinet temperature is 20 °F or more above the setpoint.

The use of 3-phase power eliminates the need for the PTCR relay , cap acitor, and individual start and run windings; therefore the start, run, and common pins found on conventional compressors are not applicable on this 3-phase model. Compressor pin functions are identical and compressor lead wire configuration is of no importance. A resistance of 9 to 1 1Ω should be read between any 2 of the 3 pins. Should an open occur in the compressor winding or should one of the compressor lead wires become open or disconnected, the inverter will stop voltage output to the compressor .

– 12 –

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