1. What is COP?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a dimensionless measure of heat pump efficiency, representing the ratio of heat output to electrical energy input. A higher COP indicates better energy efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic COP formula:

Where:

• Heat Output — Thermal energy delivered by the heat pump (kW)
• Electrical Input — Electrical energy consumed by the heat pump (kW)

Explanation: The COP calculation provides a simple way to evaluate the efficiency of heat pump systems under specific operating conditions.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: COP is crucial for evaluating heat pump performance, comparing different systems, and assessing energy efficiency for heating applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat output and electrical input in kilowatts (kW). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value for heat pumps?
A: Typical COP values range from 2.5 to 5.0 for modern heat pumps, with higher values indicating better efficiency.

Q2: How does COP differ from efficiency?
A: COP is a ratio rather than a percentage, and values can exceed 1 (100%) because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it.

Q3: What factors affect COP?
A: Temperature difference between source and sink, system design, refrigerant type, and operating conditions all affect COP.

Q4: Is COP the same for heating and cooling?
A: For cooling, the term EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is often used, though the calculation is similar but with different operating conditions.

Q5: How often should COP be measured?
A: COP should be evaluated during system design, installation, and periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance.