Thermodynamics- Refrigerator Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum heat leak a refrigerator can tolerate, given a motor power of 0.25 hp and temperature conditions of 2.00 degrees Celsius inside and 35 degrees Celsius outside. The coefficient of performance (COP) is determined to be 5.68 after considering it is 50% of the theoretical maximum. The user initially calculates the heat removal rate (Qcold) as 1059.66 watts but finds a discrepancy with the book's answer of 779 watts. Feedback indicates a potential error in temperature conversion to Kelvin and suggests focusing on Qcold rather than Qhot for the heat removal calculation. If the heat leak exceeds the calculated maximum, the refrigerator will fail to maintain the desired internal temperature.
jessedevin
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Homework Statement


A refrigerator is operated by a 0.25 hp (1 hp=746 watts) motor. If the interior is to be maintained at 2.00 degrees Celsius and the room temperature of the room is 35 degrees C, what is the maximum heat leak in watts that can be tolerated? Assume that the coefficient of preformance is 50% of the maximum theoretical vale. What happens if the leak is greater than your calculated maximum value.

Homework Equations


\eta= Tcold/(Thot-Tcold)
\eta=Qcold/w
Qhot=Qcold+W.

The Attempt at a Solution


What I am first doing is finding the coefficient of performance \eta
\eta=375K/(408K-375K)=11.36
Then it says that the coefficent of preformance is 50% of the the max theoretical value, so \eta= 11.36/2=5.68
Then I find the rate of Qcold = w*\eta
Qcold=(746w/4)(5.68)=1059.66w
Lastly I used Qhot=Qcold+W,
Qhot=1059.66w+ 746w/4=1246.16w

But the answer in my book says its 779 watts, so did I miss a step or do something wrong. And what happens if the leak is greater than your calculated maximum value?
 
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First, check your conversion to Kelvin temperature. It is not correct.

Second, your method is correct except that you do not calculate Qh. You use Qc, since this is the heat that has to be removed.

What do you think happens if the refrigerator is not able to remove the heat as fast as it is entering the refrigerator?

AM
 
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