Actual Specific refrigeration capacity:

= ℎ1 − ℎ4 = 352 − 235 = 117

Actual specific cooling capacity:

= ℎ2 − ℎ3 = 399 − 235 = 164

Actual specific compressor work:

= ℎ2 − ℎ1 = 399 − 352 = 47

Ideal Specific refrigeration capacity:

= ℎ1 − ℎ4 = 345 − 235 = 110

Ideal specific cooling capacity:

= ℎ2 − ℎ3 = 358 − 235 = 123

Ideal specific compressor work:
= ℎ2 − ℎ1 = 358 − 345 = 13
Note: h3 = h4

Discussion:
Refrigerants are crucial in cooling systems. Some important characteristics of refrigerants include:
Thermodynamic Properties: Refrigerants should have appropriate pressure-temperature relationships to
efficiently transfer heat.
Chemical Stability: They must be chemically stable to avoid breakdown in the system.
Low Toxicity: Refrigerants should not pose health risks if leaked.
Non-Flammability: Non-flammable refrigerants are safer in case of leaks.
Environmental Impact: Eco-friendly options are preferred to reduce ozone depletion and greenhouse gas
emissions.
Energy Efficiency: Refrigerants should provide efficient cooling with minimal energy consumption.
Compatibility: They should be compatible with system materials to prevent corrosion or damage.
Global Warming Potential (GWP): Lower GWP values are desirable to mitigate climate change.
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): Ideally, refrigerants should have zero ODP to protect the ozone layer.
Cost: Affordable options are important for practical use.
Different refrigerants may prioritize these characteristics differently, depending on the specific
application and environmental regulations.
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a refrigeration cycle is influenced by the pressure ratio, which
is the ratio of the high-side (condenser) pressure to the low-side (evaporator) pressure. The COP is a
measure of the system's energy efficiency and is defined as the amount of cooling provided per unit of
energy input (typically electrical energy).
The COP of a refrigeration cycle is affected by the pressure ratio in the following ways:
Carnot Efficiency: The theoretical maximum COP for a refrigeration cycle is based on the Carnot cycle
and is a function of the temperature difference between the evaporator and condenser. As the pressure
ratio increases, the temperature difference typically increases, which can lead to a higher COP.
Compressor Work: A higher pressure ratio requires the compressor to do more work to compress the
refrigerant. This increased work input can reduce the COP because more energy is needed to achieve the
desired cooling effect.
Heat Rejection: Higher pressure ratios result in higher condensing temperatures, which can affect the
heat rejection process. The COP can decrease if the heat rejection (condenser) process becomes less
efficient.
Refrigerant Properties: The choice of refrigerant plays a significant role. Some refrigerants are better
suited to high-pressure ratios, while others may perform better at lower ratios. The COP may vary based
on the specific refrigerant used.
In practice, the impact of pressure ratio on COP is a balance between the positive effect of increasing
temperature difference and the negative effect of increased compressor work and reduced heat rejection
efficiency. The optimal pressure ratio for maximum COP depends on the specific system design,
refrigerant, and operating conditions. Engineers aim to select the right combination of components and
conditions to achieve the best possible COP for a given refrigeration system.
The ratio of refrigeration effect to the electricity power consumption of the compressor is a key
performance parameter in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. This ratio is known as the
Coefficient of Performance (COP).
The COP is defined as:
COP = Refrigeration Effect (in Watts) / Compressor Power Input (in Watts)
In other words, it represents how efficiently a refrigeration or air conditioning system converts electrical
energy into cooling or refrigeration. A higher COP indicates a more energy-efficient system, as it means
more cooling is achieved per unit of electrical energy consumed.
For example, if a refrigeration system provides 3,000 Watts of cooling while the compressor consumes
1,000 Watts of electrical power, the COP would be:
COP = 3,000 W / 1,000 W = 3.0
A COP of 3.0 means that for every 1 Watt of electrical energy consumed by the compressor, the system is
capable of producing 3 Watts of cooling. Higher COP values are desirable because they indicate better
energy efficiency in the cooling system.