Coefficient of Performance (COP)

The performance of a refrigeration system is expressed by the term known as coefficient of performance (COP) which is defined as the ratio of heat extracted in the refrigerator to the workdone on the refrigerant. It is also known as the theoretical coefficient of performance.

Theoretical COP = Q/W 

where, 

       Q = Amount of heat extracted in the refrigerator (or the amount of refrigeration effect produced or the capacity of a refrigerant)

       W = Amount of workdone.

Note:

• The coefficient of performance is the reciprocal of the efficiency of a heat engine. It thus obvious that the value of COP is always greater than unity.

 COP = 1/ɳ

• The ratio of the actual COP to the theoretical COP is known as relative coefficient of performance.

Relative COP = Actual COP/ Theoretical COP

• In a refrigerating machine, heat rejected is more than heat absorbed. 

See Also :: Ton of Refrigeration (TR)::