Coefficient of Performance

Definition: Coefficient of Performance

The coefficient of performance of a refrigerator is the ratio of the heat $Q_{\text{C}}$ it syphons from the cold reservoir and absolute value of the work $W$ it takes in.

$$\frac{|Q_{\text{C}}|}{|W|}$$

NOTATION

$$K$$

NOTE

The coefficient of performance can also be expressed via the heat $Q_{\text{C}}$ syphoned from the cold reservoir and the heat $Q_{\text{H}}$ sent to the hot reservoir.

$$K=\frac{|Q_{\text{C}}|}{|Q_{\text{H}}|-|Q_{\text{C}}|}$$