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Carnot COP (Refrigerator)

Maximum possible cooling efficiency between two temperatures (in kelvin).

Formula

COP = \frac{T_c}{T_h - T_c}

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Variables

COPIdeal COP

T_cCold temperature (K)

T_hHot temperature (K)

Example

T_c=273, T_h=303: COP = 273/30 = 9.1

Did You Know?

Real fridges reach only a fraction of the Carnot limit because of friction and heat leaks.

hvac carnot limit

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