1. What is Coefficient of Performance?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of efficiency for heat pumps and refrigeration systems. It represents the ratio of useful heating or cooling provided to work required.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the COP formula:

Where:

• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (dimensionless)
• \( Q_h \) — Heat delivered (Joules)
• \( W \) — Work input (Joules)

Explanation: Higher COP values indicate more efficient systems, as more heat is delivered per unit of work input.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: COP is crucial for evaluating and comparing the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, helping in system selection and energy consumption analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter heat delivered and work input in Joules. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value?
A: For heat pumps, typical COP values range from 2 to 5. Higher values indicate better efficiency.

Q2: Can COP be less than 1?
A: Yes, but this indicates the system is less efficient than direct electrical heating.

Q3: How does COP differ for heating vs cooling?
A: For cooling, COP is Q_c/W (heat removed over work). For heating, it's Q_h/W.

Q4: What affects COP in real systems?
A: Temperature difference between source and sink, system design, and operating conditions all affect COP.

Q5: Is COP the same as efficiency?
A: While related, COP can be greater than 1 (unlike efficiency), as it measures energy transfer rather than conversion.