Efficiency of refrigerator unit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the theoretical efficiency of a homemade refrigerator unit designed to freeze 1 kg of water in 5 minutes, utilizing a temperature of 273 K inside and 350 K outside. Key calculations include the change in entropy, heat flow into the hot well, and the power required to operate the refrigerator. The Latent Heat of Fusion for water is specified as 3.33×105 J/kg, and the calculations involve using the Carnot cycle principles and entropy equations to derive the necessary values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, specifically the Carnot cycle
  • Knowledge of entropy calculations and their significance in refrigeration
  • Familiarity with the concept of Latent Heat of Fusion
  • Basic understanding of power calculations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Carnot cycle and its implications for refrigeration efficiency
  • Learn about entropy calculations in thermodynamic processes
  • Explore the concept of Latent Heat and its applications in phase changes
  • Study power calculations related to thermodynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, particularly those studying thermodynamics, refrigeration systems, or energy efficiency. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to understand the theoretical limits of refrigeration technology.

confused1
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Suppose that you want to freeze 1 kg of water for a party, and only have 5 minutes to do it. Relying on nothing but your keen physical abilities, a dixie cup, duct tape and a piece of string, you manage to build a refrigerator unit which can do the job.
The temperature inside the refrigeration unit is 273 K, and the temperature outside is 350 K. Since you are a brilliant UW student, assume that your refrigerator has the maximum possible efficiency. The Latent Heat of Fusion of water is 3.33×105 J/kg. Assume that the initial temperature of the water is 273 K.

a. What is the change in entropy in the water per second in J/K s?

HELP: Change in entropy = Change in energy/ Absolute Temperature.

b. What is the heat flow ( Q_hot/time ) into the hot well per second in J/s?

HELP: Use the entropy flux calculated in part b, 350 K, and use

c. How much POWER must you provide to drive your refrigerator in Watts? (That is, work done per second?)

HELP: Q(hot) = Q(cold) + Work. Remember, power is work/time.
Entropy = Energy transfer / Temperature.
 
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Its 77 degrees C outside ;) woooo, party in hell?

You really need to try to do these on your own and then ask questions. Looks like your just posting questions and hoping we'll answer them for you.
 
confused1 said:
Suppose that you want to freeze 1 kg of water for a party, and only have 5 minutes to do it. Relying on nothing but your keen physical abilities, a dixie cup, duct tape and a piece of string, you manage to build a refrigerator unit which can do the job.
The temperature inside the refrigeration unit is 273 K, and the temperature outside is 350 K. Since you are a brilliant UW student, assume that your refrigerator has the maximum possible efficiency. The Latent Heat of Fusion of water is 3.33×105 J/kg. Assume that the initial temperature of the water is 273 K.

a. What is the change in entropy in the water per second in J/K s?

HELP: Change in entropy = Change in energy/ Absolute Temperature.
What about time?

[tex]\frac{ds}{dt} = \frac{\frac{\Delta Q}{T_c}}{\Delta t}[/tex]

where [itex]\Delta Q = 3.33e5 J[/itex] and [itex]\Delta t = 300 sec[/tex]<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> b. What is the heat flow ( Q_hot/time ) into the hot well per second in J/s? <br /> <br /> HELP: Use the entropy flux calculated in part b, 350 K, and use </div> </div> </blockquote>For a Carnot cycle, <br /> <br /> [tex]\frac{Q_c}{Q_h} = \frac{T_c}{T_h}[/tex]<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> c. How much POWER must you provide to drive your refrigerator in Watts? (That is, work done per second?) <br /> <br /> HELP: Q(hot) = Q(cold) + Work. Remember, power is work/time.<br /> Entropy = Energy transfer / Temperature. </div> </div> </blockquote><br /> [tex]CP = Q_c/W = \frac{1}{\frac{T_h}{T_c} - 1}[/tex]<br /> <br /> so work out W from Q_c found in 1.<br /> <br /> By the way, the problem facts are quite impossible. If you place water at 273K in a reservoir at 273K there will be no freezing at all, let alone in 5 minutes.<br /> <br /> AM[/itex]
 

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