1. What is Coefficient of Performance (COP)?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of heat pump efficiency, calculated as the ratio of heat output to work input. It indicates how effectively a heat pump transfers heat compared to the electrical energy it consumes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP formula:

Where:

• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (unitless)
• \( Q_h \) — Heat output (J)
• \( W \) — Work input (J)

Explanation: The equation calculates the efficiency of a heat pump by comparing the amount of heat energy delivered to the amount of work energy consumed.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: COP is crucial for evaluating heat pump performance, comparing different systems, and determining energy efficiency. Higher COP values indicate more efficient systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat output and work input in joules (J). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value for a heat pump?
A: Typical COP values range from 2.0 to 5.0, with higher values indicating better efficiency. Modern heat pumps often have COPs between 3.0 and 4.5.

Q2: How does COP differ from efficiency?
A: While efficiency is typically expressed as a percentage (0-100%), COP is a ratio that can exceed 1 (or 100%) because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it.

Q3: Can COP be less than 1?
A: Yes, but this indicates a very inefficient system where more energy is consumed than heat is delivered.

Q4: How does temperature affect COP?
A: COP decreases as the temperature difference between heat source and heat sink increases. Performance is best in moderate climates.

Q5: Is COP the same for heating and cooling modes?
A: No, heat pumps have separate COPs for heating (COP_heating) and cooling (COP_cooling or EER), though they're calculated similarly.