Refrigerator coil frosting: effect on performance and energy use What is the impact of frost formation on cooling coils inside a refrigerator on heat transfer and power consumption? Choose the correct effect.
Mechanical Engineering
Heat Transfer, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AIt increases heat transfer
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BIt improves the coefficient of performance (COP)
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CIt increases power consumption
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DIt reduces power consumption
Answer
Correct Answer: It increases power consumption
Explanation
Concept/ApproachFrost acts as an insulating layer (low thermal conductivity), increasing the overall thermal resistance between the coil and air.
ImplicationsFor the same cooling load, the compressor must run longer (or at higher duty), raising energy consumption; COP effectively degrades.
Final AnswerIt increases power consumption.