1. What is Heat Pump COP?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic COP formula:

Where:

• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (dimensionless)
• \( Q_h \) — Heat output (kW)
• \( W \) — Electrical input (kW)

Explanation: The equation simply divides the useful heat output by the required electrical energy input.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: COP is crucial for comparing heat pump efficiency, estimating operating costs, and determining environmental impact. Typical values range from 2 to 5 for modern systems.

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: Values above 3 are generally good, with the most efficient systems reaching 4-5 under optimal conditions.

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 the temperature difference between source and sink increases.

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

Q5: Can COP be less than 1?
A: For heat pumps, COP should always be >1 (otherwise it would be more efficient to use direct electric heating).