Solve Thermodynamics Help: Refrigerator Cost/Month

  • Thread starter Thread starter msteves
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Thermodynamics
AI Thread Summary
A household refrigerator with a coefficient of performance of 2.1 removes energy at a rate of 600 Btu/h, leading to confusion about efficiency metrics. The equations for coefficient of performance and work cycle are discussed, with emphasis on calculating Q_in and W_cycle. The user struggles with the concept that a coefficient of performance greater than 1 does not equate to efficiency exceeding 100%. Clarification is provided that thermal efficiency differs from coefficient of performance, which can exceed 1 in refrigeration systems. The discussion aims to resolve the confusion surrounding these thermodynamic principles and their application in calculating monthly electricity costs.
msteves
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A household refrigerator with a coefficient of performance of 2.1 removes energy from the refrigerated space at a rate of 600 Btu/h. Evaluating electricity at $ 0.08 per kW · h determine the cost of electricity in a month when the refrigerator operates for 360 hours.

Homework Equations



coefficient of performance = Q_in / W_cycle
W_cycle = Q_out - Q_in

The Attempt at a Solution



I assumed that Q_out was 600 Btu/hr, since it said that was the energy removed. The coefficient of performance is obviously 2.1, and I tried to find Q_in using the above equations but had some trouble. I also know that you need to find the work and then you can just use the given "$0.08 per kW" to find the money needed, which is the answer. But I am really confused with this one.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I didn't think Q/W could be greater than 1. Since 1 represents 100% effeciency. If an engine had a Q/W value of 2.1, wouldn't it be working at 210% efficiency??
 
thermal efficiency is different than coefficient of performance
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top