An air conditioner removes heat steadily from a house at a rate of 750 kJ/min while drawing electric power at a rate of 6 kW. Determine (a) the COP of this air conditioner and (b) the rate of heat transfer to the outside air.

a. 2.08, b. 1110 kJ/min

Explanation:

The power consumption and the cooling rate of an air conditioner are given. The COP or Coefficient of Performance and the rate of heat rejection are to be determined. Assume that the air conditioner operates steadily.

a. The coefficient of performance of the air conditioner (refrigerator) is determined from its definition, which is

COP (r) = Q (L) / W (net in), where Q (L) is the rate of heat removed and W (net in) is the work done to remove said heat

COP (r) = (750 kJ/min/6 kW) x (1 kW/60kJ/min) = 2.08

The COP of this air conditioner is 2.08.

b. The rate of heat discharged to the outside air is determined from the energy balance.

Q (H) = Q (L) + W (net in)

Q (H) = 750 kJ/min + 6 x 60 kJ/min = 1110 kJ/min

The rate of heat transfer to the outside air is 1110 kJ for every minute.