Refrigeration Cooling Capacity
Refrigeration Cooling Capacity
A refrigeration system’s cooling capacity is the heat its refrigerant absorbs in the evaporator per unit time.
The capacity is Q = ṁ·(h_1 − h_2). where ṁ is the refrigerant mass flow and h_1, h_2 the evaporator outlet and inlet enthalpies.
Inputs
m_dot := 0.05 kg/s=0.05 kg/s
h_1 := 400 kJ/kg=400000 m^2/s^2
h_2 := 250 kJ/kg=250000 m^2/s^2
Multiply mass flow by the enthalpy rise.
Q := m_dot·(h_1 - h_2)=7500 W
Results
The result in kilowatts (or tons of refrigeration) is the system’s cooling duty. A larger flow or enthalpy difference cools more.
Assumptions & limitations
- Steady flow.
- Enthalpies from refrigerant tables.
- Evaporator energy balance.