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 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 energy produced by the energy required to operate the heat pump.

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 heat pumps.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value for a heat pump?
A: Values above 3 are generally good, with the most efficient models achieving 4-5 under optimal conditions.

Q2: How does COP differ from efficiency?
A: While efficiency can't exceed 100%, COP can be greater than 1 because heat pumps move heat rather than convert energy.

Q3: Does COP change with temperature?
A: Yes, COP typically decreases as outdoor temperature drops, since more work is needed to extract heat.

Q4: What's the difference between COP and SCOP?
A: SCOP (Seasonal COP) accounts for varying performance across a heating season, providing a more realistic annual efficiency measure.

Q5: Can COP be less than 1?
A: In heat pump mode, COP should always be >1. Values <1 would indicate the device is less efficient than simple electric resistance heating.