1. What is the Heat Pump Efficiency Equation?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) measures heat pump efficiency by comparing heat output to work input. It indicates how effectively the heat pump transfers heat relative to the energy consumed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP equation:

Where:

• \( Q_h \) — Heat output (J)
• \( W \) — Work input (J)

Explanation: Higher COP values indicate more efficient heat pumps, as they produce more heat per unit of work input.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: Calculating COP helps evaluate heat pump performance, compare different systems, and optimize energy efficiency in heating applications.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value for heat pumps?
A: Typical COP values range from 2-4 for air-source heat pumps and 3-5 for ground-source systems, with higher values indicating better efficiency.

Q2: How does COP differ from efficiency?
A: COP is a ratio of output to input, while efficiency is typically expressed as a percentage. COP can be greater than 1, unlike efficiency percentages.

Q3: Does COP vary with temperature?
A: Yes, COP typically decreases as the temperature difference between heat source and sink increases.

Q4: Can COP be used for cooling mode?
A: For cooling, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) or seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) are more commonly used metrics.

Q5: What factors affect COP?
A: System design, refrigerant type, temperature conditions, maintenance, and load matching all influence COP values.