1. What is COP?

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 heat pump systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The COP represents how many units of heat energy are produced per unit of electrical energy consumed.

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 of heating systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat output and input power in kilowatts (kW). Both values must be positive numbers. Typical COP values range from 2.0 to 5.0 for most residential heat pumps.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value for a heat pump?
A: A COP of 3.0 or higher is generally considered good. Modern high-efficiency heat pumps can achieve COP values of 4.0-5.0 under optimal conditions.

Q2: How does COP relate to energy efficiency?
A: Higher COP values indicate better energy efficiency. A COP of 3.0 means the heat pump delivers 3 units of heat energy for every 1 unit of electrical energy consumed.

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

Q4: What's the difference between COP and efficiency?
A: While efficiency is typically expressed as a percentage (≤100%), COP can exceed 100% (or 1.0) because heat pumps move heat rather than convert energy.

Q5: Can COP be less than 1?
A: Yes, in extremely cold conditions or with poorly performing systems, COP can drop below 1, meaning resistive heating would be more efficient.