Details

Snapshot 1: a very inefficient mechanical refrigeration cycle with a coefficient of performance (COP) less than 1

Snapshot 2: an inefficient mechanical refrigeration cycle with a coefficient of performance (COP) equal to 1

Snapshot 3: an efficient mechanical refrigeration cycle with a coefficient of performance (COP) equal to 9

This Demonstration is intended to illustrate the use of the pressure-enthalpy diagram to calculate the energy efficiency of an ideal mechanical refrigeration system in terms of its coefficient of performance (COP). It calculates and displays the COP from the enthalpies at the four principal points in the cycle A, B, C, and D with the formula , where the 's are the enthalpies.

A schematic view of the mechanical system is displayed below the calculated COP value. It shows the main components, the refrigerant's flow direction and where energy enters and leaves. The pressure-enthalpy diagram is shown next. The enthalpy values are in while the pressure, which does not enter into the calculation, is presented on an arbitrary scale. The cold side of the cycle is shown in blue and the hot side in red.

Note that certain allowable combinations of enthalpy values are not possible in actual refrigeration systems.