Find Coefficient of Performance of a refrigerator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a refrigerator using a monatomic gas in a two-step process. The participant initially attempted to use the formula COP = Q_C / W, where Q_C represents the heat absorbed and W is the work done. After further analysis, they realized that the correct approach involves determining Q_in specifically, rather than the total Q of the process. The participant successfully calculated a COP of 1 and is now tasked with comparing this value to the Carnot cycle at the same temperature difference, although they seek clarification on how to determine that temperature difference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
  • Familiarity with the behavior of monatomic gases in thermodynamic cycles.
  • Knowledge of isothermal and adiabatic processes in thermodynamics.
  • Ability to apply the Carnot cycle equations for performance comparison.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the Carnot cycle equations for refrigerators.
  • Research the properties and equations governing monatomic gases in thermodynamic processes.
  • Learn how to calculate temperature differences in thermodynamic cycles.
  • Explore advanced concepts in thermodynamics, such as the relationship between work and heat in various processes.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying thermodynamics, engineers working with refrigeration systems, and anyone interested in understanding the performance metrics of refrigeration cycles.

grandpa2390
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Homework Statement


I need to find the coefficient of a refrigerator that uses a monatomic gas and only has two steps.
I know the:
initial pressure of the refrigerant
initial temperature
initial volume
and final pressure

Every formula I know requires 4 steps or a knowledge of the outside and inside temperature. This question is unlike anything I have seen to date. The only other problem I have seen like this was for a real refrigerator. it had four steps, and I was given a table for the saturate refrigerant.

Homework Equations


##COP = \frac{Q_C}{W}##
##COP = \frac{Q_C}{Q_H-Q_C}##
##COP = \frac{T_C}{T_H-T_C}##

The Attempt at a Solution



Right now, the only thing I can think of is that I could use the equation ##COP = \frac{Q_C}{W}## by finding Q and W of the process the way I did in earlier chapters. And assume that the change in Q is Q_C .
With this attempt, I could take advantage of the formulas that give me these values based on whether or not the gas is monatomic.

Is this the right direction?

edit: I did the problem this way and got a COP of 1...
I assuming that the change in internal energy is 0. the first process is isothermal, and the second process is linear bringing it back to the same initial point. I get that Q=-W so Q/W is 1
 
Last edited:
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edit: I see. I think I see my current mistake. It isn't Q of the entire process. Just the Q_in. So I got a number for the coefficient and I'm onto the next part. I need to compare it into the result I would get from the carnot cycle at the same temperature difference. What I don't get is what the temperature difference is.
All I am given is the temperature of the gas and that the first step is isothermal.
 
Last edited:

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