1. What is a Heat Pump Efficiency Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of a heat pump, which measures its efficiency.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners evaluate and compare the performance of different heat pump systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The COP represents how much heat energy is transferred compared to the amount of work (electrical energy) required to move that heat.

3. Importance of COP Calculation

Details: Higher COP values indicate more efficient heat pumps. Typical values range from 2 to 5 for modern systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat output (in Joules) and the work input (in Joules). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good COP value?
A: Generally, a COP above 3 is considered good, with values above 4 being excellent for residential heat pumps.

Q2: How does COP relate to energy efficiency?
A: A COP of 3 means the heat pump delivers 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed.

Q3: Can COP be less than 1?
A: For heat pumps, COP is typically >1. Values <1 would indicate the system is less efficient than direct electric heating.

Q4: What's the difference between COP and efficiency?
A: While efficiency cannot exceed 100%, COP can be much higher than 1 since it measures energy movement rather than conversion.

Q5: Does outdoor temperature affect COP?
A: Yes, COP typically decreases as outdoor temperatures drop, since more work is required to extract heat from colder air.