1. What is COP?

The COP (Coefficient of Performance) is a measure of heat pump efficiency, representing the ratio of heat output to electrical energy input. Higher COP values indicate more efficient systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The COP is a dimensionless value that quantifies how effectively a heat pump converts electrical energy into thermal energy.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: Calculating COP is essential for evaluating heat pump efficiency, comparing different systems, estimating operating costs, and ensuring optimal performance in heating applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat output and power input values in 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 a heat pump?
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 relate to energy efficiency?
A: COP directly measures efficiency - a COP of 3.0 means the heat pump delivers 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed.

Q3: Does COP vary with temperature?
A: Yes, COP typically decreases as outdoor temperatures drop, as the heat pump must work harder to extract heat from colder air.

Q4: What's the difference between COP and efficiency rating?
A: While both measure efficiency, COP is a direct ratio, while seasonal performance metrics like HSPF account for varying conditions throughout a heating season.

Q5: Can COP be greater than 1?
A: Yes, heat pumps can have COP values significantly greater than 1 because they move heat rather than generate it through resistance heating.