HomeCalculatorsCOP - Cooling

COP - Cooling

Coefficient of performance for cooling: useful evaporator duty divided by compressor work. The headline refrigeration efficiency number.

Refrigeration
COP_cooling
4.17 -
EER (imperial)
14.22Btu/Wh

Formula, assumptions, and limits

$$\text{COP}_\text{cool} = \frac{Q_\text{evap}}{W_\text{comp}}$$

Marine provision-room cooling units: COP 2.5–3.5. AC plants: COP 3–4. Reefer containers at −20 °C: 1.2–1.6. Approaching the Carnot limit requires small lift and / or novel cycles.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
$Q_\text{evap}$Heat absorbed at evaporatorkWrating plate
$W_\text{comp}$Compressor shaft powerkWelectrical measurement
$COP$Coefficient of performance - result

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