1. What is Coefficient of Performance (COP)?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of a heat pump's efficiency, representing the ratio of useful heating provided to work required. Higher COP values indicate more efficient heat pumps.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heat output (in kW)
• \( W \) — Electrical input (in kW)

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

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: COP is crucial for comparing heat pump efficiencies, estimating operating costs, and assessing environmental impact. Typical values range from 2 to 5 for air-source heat pumps.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both heat output and electrical input in kilowatts (kW). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value?
A: Generally, COP above 3 is considered good for air-source heat pumps, while ground-source heat pumps often have COPs of 4-5.

Q2: How does COP relate to efficiency?
A: COP directly represents efficiency - a COP of 4 means 4 units of heat output per 1 unit of electrical input.

Q3: Does COP change with temperature?
A: Yes, COP typically decreases as outdoor temperatures drop, as more work is needed to extract heat from colder air.

Q4: What's the difference between COP and EER?
A: EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is used for cooling, while COP is used for heating. They measure similar concepts but for different operations.

Q5: Can COP be greater than 1?
A: Yes, heat pumps typically have COPs greater than 1 because they move heat rather than generate it directly.