Prove that the coefficient of performance of a Carnot refrigerator is KCarnot=TC/TH-TC.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The coefficient of performance of refrigerator is given byCOP=TcTh-Tc.

Step by step solution

01

Step : 1 Explanation

In the cycle of changes, as the working substance returns to its initial state, therefore, there is no change in its initial energy that is Eint=dU=0(I)

If Qcis the amount of heat extracted per cycle from the cold reservoir at lower temperature Tc

W=work done per cycle on the system -the refrigerant.

If Qhis the amount of heat released per cycle from the source at higher temperature Th

The net amount of heat absorbed is given by dQ=Qc-QhII

Work done by the system is given by dW=-W(III)

According to the first law of thermodynamics dQ=dU+dW(IV)

02

Step : 2 Calculation

Substituting the values of dU and dQ from the equation (I) and (II) in equation
(I)QcQh=0WW=QhQcW=QcQhQc1(IV)

In Carnot Cycle

QhQc=ThTc(VI)


Substituting the value ofQhQcin equation (V)

W=QcThTc-1(VII)

Also, coefficient of performance is defined as the ratio of the quantity of heat removed per cycle to the energy spent per cycle to remove this heat.
COP=QcW(VIII)

Substituting the values of W in above equation, the coefficient of performance is calculated
asCOP=TcTh-Tc.


Conclusion :

The coefficient of performance of a refrigerator is given by COP=TcTh-Tc

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