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The coefficient of performance (COP) measures the ratio of heat transferred to power compared to the work needed. It’s used for heat pumps and other measurements, and is determined by considering the first rule of thermodynamics and absolute temperatures. COP can be used to compare energy savings between systems.
The coefficient of performance refers to the variation in the ratio of the heat transferred to a power compared to the work that must be done to transfer that heat. This measurement is usually used to measure the power of heat pumps, however it can also be used for other measurements. The coefficient of performance is sometimes abbreviated COP or CP. Various equations are used to determine the COP in different applications.
When deriving or determining the coefficient of performance, it is important to remember the first rule of thermodynamics. This rule states that energy can be changed, but it cannot be destroyed nor can it be created. As a result of this rule, the equations used to determine the coefficient of performance usually start by considering the heat that is absorbed by the air from the vessel for cold heat and the heat that is discharged from the vessel for warm air.
To determine the coefficient of performance, the absolute temperatures of the heating and cooling tanks must also be considered in some COP equations. This changes the equation so that the absolute temperature of the hot air tank and the absolute temperature of the cold air tank are considered. Taking these absolute temperatures into consideration and using the Kelvin scale, the calculated response will determine the maximum theoretical efficiency for the units according to the first rule of thermodynamics. This equation is commonly used to determine the coefficient of performance for refrigerators and air conditioners.
The COP determination process is important because a comparison of coefficients of performance can be used to determine how much energy could be saved by using one type of system versus another. For example, if an electric heat pump operates at a COP of 4.5, it means that it supplies 4.5 units of heat and for each unit of heat, one unit of energy is consumed. If the user knows the price per kilowatt of energy used, then he can make an informed decision as to which type of system may be more financially suited to his needs or which of the two systems is a better buy. For example, if an electric heat pump is going to cost more due to the price of electricity than the price of natural gas, it would be in the user’s best financial interest to select a system that runs on natural gas instead.
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