A Heat Pump Coefficient of Performance Calculation

How can we calculate the coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump based on the given data?

The coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump is approximately 0.0805.

Calculation of Coefficient of Performance (COP)

Explanation: The coefficient of performance (COP) of a heat pump is a measure of its efficiency in transferring heat. In this scenario, we are given that the heat pump maintains the interior of a building at 21 °C and operates at steady state.

To calculate the COP, we first need to understand the heat transfer and work input involved. The heat pump receives energy by heat transfer from well water at 9°C and discharges energy by transferring heat to the building at a rate of 120000 kJ/h. Over a 14-day period, the electric meter records that 1490 kW-h of electricity is provided to the heat pump.

Given: Heat transferred to the building = 120000 kJ/h, Electricity provided to the heat pump = 1490 kW-h

We start by converting the electricity provided to the heat pump from kW-h to kJ:
1490 kW-h * 1000 = 1490000 kJ

Next, we calculate the work input:
Work Input = Electricity provided to the heat pump = 1490000 kJ

Substitute the values into the COP formula:
COP = 120000 kJ/h / 1490000 kJ ≈ 0.0805

Therefore, the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump is approximately 0.0805. This indicates that for every unit of work input, the heat pump can transfer 0.0805 units of heat, making it an efficient system. Further understanding of calculating the COP of a heat pump can be found in additional resources.