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Verification of Coefficient of Performance

(COP) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in
Refrigeration Systems

Final Term Project

Prepared and presented to the
Mechanical engineering Department
Colegio de Muntinlupa

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering

MEEN3233: Refrigeration Systems

by

Daz, Sammy Eliahs V.

20221050240

Submitted to:
Engr. Alvin Jamora

2025
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1.1 Overview and Background

Refrigerators have become an essential part of our daily lives, helping us

keep food fresh and safe by maintaining cool temperatures. The Samsung
refrigerator model I’m focusing on in this study uses a vapor-compression cycle, a
process where a refrigerant circulates through stages of compression, condensation,
expansion, and evaporation to create the cooling effect inside the fridge.

This particular Samsung model uses modern refrigerants like R-600a

(isobutane), which are known for being efficient and better for the environment
compared to older refrigerants. The manual provides useful details about the
operating temperatures for both the fridge and freezer sections, as well as energy
consumption information that helps us understand how much power the unit uses
during normal operation.

With energy efficiency becoming more important than ever, it’s valuable to
look closely at how well this refrigerator performs. By applying thermodynamic
principles to the data in the manual, this study aims to calculate important measures
like the Coefficient of Performance (COP) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which
tell us how effectively the refrigerator turns electrical energy into cooling power.

In doing so, the study not only verifies if the refrigerator meets the
manufacturer’s claims but also helps us appreciate the balance Samsung has
achieved between energy use, cooling effectiveness, and safety. Ultimately, this
analysis can provide insights that encourage better use and maintenance of
refrigerators, contributing to saving energy and protecting the environment.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Even though Samsung refrigerators are known for being energy-efficient and
reliable, the way they actually perform in everyday use can sometimes be different
from what the manufacturer claims. This study wants to find out how well a specific
Samsung refrigerator model really works by looking at important measurements like
the Coefficient of Performance (COP), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), and Energy
Efficiency Factor (EEF). The main question is whether these numbers match up with
what Samsung says and how the different temperatures inside the cooling cycle
impact the fridge’s overall efficiency. Understanding any differences between
expected and real performance could help users get the most out of their
refrigerators while saving energy and reducing environmental impact.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is to examine how the Samsung refrigerator really
performs by applying basic thermodynamic principles. It aims to calculate important
efficiency measures such as the Coefficient of Performance (COP), Energy
Efficiency Ratio (EER), and Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF). The study will then
compare these calculated values with the manufacturer’s stated specifications to see
if they align. Additionally, it will explore possible reasons for any differences between
the actual performance and what is claimed, helping to better understand the factors
that affect the refrigerator’s efficiency in everyday use.

2.1 DATA AND ANALYSIS

This section analyzes the energy performance data of the Samsung

refrigerator based on information from the user manual and the official energy label.
The energy label highlights key details such as power consumption, capacity, and
energy efficiency rating, offering a clear overview of the refrigerator’s operating
characteristics. This data serves as a foundation for evaluating the refrigerator’s
efficiency and provides a reference point for comparing theoretical calculations with
actual performance.

Figure 1: Official energy label for Samsung RL4013EBASL

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Table 1: Summary of Key Performance Specifications of Samsung Refrigerator Model

SPECIFICATIONS DETAILS
Model RL4013EBASL
Gross Volume 427 Liters
Refrigerator Net Capacity 331 Liters
Freezer Net Capacity 96 Liters
Freezing Capacity 5.5 kg / 24 hours
Rated Power Consumption 0.70 kWh / 24 hours
Monthly Energy Consumption 36.90 kWh
Rated Wattage 85 Watts
Energy Efficiency Factor 427
Energy Efficiency Rating 4 Stars
Refrigerant R-600a
Optimal Operating Temperature:
Ambient 25°C
Fridge 3°C
Freezer -19°C
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2.2 COMPUTATION

Figure 2: Pressure-Enthalpy (P-h) Diagram of the Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Table 2: Thermodynamic properties of R-600a (isobutane) at the four refrigeration cycle states.
TEMPERATURE PRESSURE ENTHALPY ENTROPY
STATE (°C) (KPa) (kJ/kg) (kJ/kg-K)
1 -19 75.6 528.935 2.3008
2 350.7 545.428 2.3008
3 25 350.7 258.9796
4 258.9796

S1 = S2
H2 = H at 350.7 KPa and 2.3008 kJ/kg-K

2.2.1 HEAT ABSORBED BY THE REFRIGERANT (EVAPORATOR)

Qₐ = h1 – h4 = (528.935) – (258.9796) = 269.9554 kJ/kg

2.2.2 WORK DONE BY THE COMPRESSOR

W𝒸 = h2 – h1 = (545.428) – (528.935) = 16.493 kJ/kg

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2.2.3 HEAT REJECTED BY THE REFRIGERANT (CONDENSER)

Qr = h2 - h3 = (545.428) – (258.9796) = 286.4484 kJ/kg

2.2.4 COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP)

COP = Qₐ / W𝒸 = 269.9554 / 16.493 = 16.

2.2.5 ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (EER)

EER = COP × 3.412 = 4.153703443 × 3.412 = 15.40075615

2.2.6 ENERGY EFFICIENCY FACTOR (EEF)

EEF = Total Volume / Power Consumption

EEF = 331 / 0.7 = 472
EEF ≠ 427

2.2.7 PRODUCT LOAD

The product load represents the total heat energy the refrigerator must
remove to keep stored food at safe temperatures. This includes both sensible heat,
which cools the food, and latent heat, involved in freezing.

According to the RL4013EBASL manual (page 26), meat can be stored in the
refrigerator for 1 to 2 days and in the freezer for 6 to 12 months. For preservation,
meat stored long-term must be frozen at temperatures between -15°C and -23°C in
the freezer compartment, while the refrigerator compartment is maintained between
1°C and 7°C.

Taking 1 kg of meat initially at room temperature (25°C) as an example, the

heat removal process includes:
1. Cooling the meat from 25°C down to about 4°C (within the refrigerator
compartment). The specific heat capacity of meat above freezing is
approximately 2.76 kJ/kg·°C. Sensible heat removed is:
Q1 = 1 × 2.76 × (25 – 4) = 52.96 kJ

2. Freezing the meat at approximately -1.5°C, requiring latent heat

removal of 216 kJ/kg:
Q2 = 1 × 216 = 216 kJ
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3. Cooling further from -1.5°C down to -20°C (typical freezer temperature

range). Specific heat below freezing is approximately 1.47 kJ/kg·°C:
Q3 = 1 × 1.47 × (-1.5 – (-20)) = 26.96 kJ

Adding these together, the total heat removal needed for 1 kg of meat is:
Qtotal = 52.96 + 216 + 26.96 = 300.92 kJ

The manual lists a freezing capacity of 5.5 kg per 24 hours, meaning the
freezer can remove the latent heat from freezing up to 5.5 kg of meat each day:

Qfreeze, daily = 5.5 × 276 = 1188 kJ

3.1 CONCLUSION
The analysis of the Samsung RL4013EBASL refrigerator showed it performs
efficiently, with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of approximately 4.15 and an
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 15.40, reflecting strong energy conversion and
cooling capability. The Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) calculated was 472, which is
slightly higher than the manufacturer’s labeled value of 427, indicating some
inconsistency between the estimated and indicated rated energy performance.

The product load evaluation, based on the manual’s temperature settings and
freezing capacity, confirms that the refrigerator can effectively handle common
household cooling and freezing needs, ensuring food safety and quality.

While the calculated values are generally consistent with manufacturer

specifications, minor differences can arise due to factors such as ambient
temperature fluctuations, and operational efficiency may vary depending on usage
and maintenance.

Overall, this study demonstrates how applying thermodynamic principles

provides valuable insight into refrigerator performance, supporting better appliance
use and encouraging energy-efficient practices that benefit both consumers and the
environment.
Commision on Higher Education National Capital Region
Colegio de Muntinlupa
Posadas Avenue, Sucat, Muntinlupa City
 Commision on Higher Education National Capital Region
Colegio de Muntinlupa
Posadas Avenue, Sucat, Muntinlupa City

Reference/s:

Samsung Electronics. (2022). Samsung RL4013EBASL refrigerator. Samsung

Official Website. [Link]

Center for Advanced Technology in Teaching. (2020). CATT3 [Computer software].