1. What is the 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 (energy) required. Higher COP values indicate more efficient heat pumps.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP formula:

Where:

• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (unitless)
• \( Q \) — Heat output (kW)
• \( W \) — Electrical input (kW)

Explanation: The equation shows how much heat energy is transferred compared to the electrical energy consumed.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: COP is crucial for evaluating heat pump performance, comparing different systems, and estimating energy costs. It helps determine operating efficiency under specific conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat output and electrical input in kW. Both values must be positive numbers. Typical residential heat pumps have COPs between 2 and 5.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How does COP relate to energy efficiency?
A: Higher COP means more heat energy is delivered per unit of electrical energy consumed, making the system more energy efficient.

Q3: Does COP change with temperature?
A: Yes, COP typically decreases as the outside temperature drops, as the heat pump must work harder to extract heat.

Q4: What's the difference between COP and efficiency?
A: While efficiency cannot exceed 100%, COP can be greater than 1 because heat pumps move heat rather than convert energy.

Q5: Can COP be less than 1?
A: In normal operation, COP should be greater than 1. If it's less than 1, the system is performing worse than simple electric resistance heating.