Coefficient of Performance of Reversible Refrigeration Cycles

Coefficient of performance of reversible refrigeration cycles working between given hot and cold reservoirs

\(\displaystyle \beta = \frac{Q_C}{W_R} = \frac{Q_C}{Q_H - Q_C} = \frac{T_C}{T_H - T_C}\)

Symbols

\(\beta\) — coefficient of performance of reversible refrigeration cycle
\(Q_H\) — heat rejection to hot reservoir
\(Q_C\) — heat absorption from cold reservoir
\(W_R\) — work input to reversible refrigeration cycle
\(T_H\) — thermodynamic temperature of the hot reservoir
\(T_C\) — thermodynamic temperature of the cold reservoir

Schematic

Inputs & Outputs

\(T_H\) — hot reservoir temperature (K)

\(T_C\) — cold reservoir temperature (K)

β (-)

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Plot

The plot shows β vs T_C for different T_H values. The red dot marks the current operating point for the input T_H value's curve — drag it or use the T_C slider above to see how β changes as T_C changes at the current input T_H value.