Coefficient of performance

Definition

The coefficient of performance (COP) is a measure of the efficiency of a refrigeration system or heat pump. It is defined as the ratio of useful heating or cooling provided to the work required to achieve it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. COP is calculated using the formula $COP = \frac{Q}{W}$, where $Q$ is the heat transferred and $W$ is the work input.
2. For refrigerators, COP typically measures how effectively they remove heat from a low-temperature space.
3. For heat pumps, COP measures how effectively they transfer heat into a high-temperature space.
4. A higher COP indicates a more efficient system, meaning less work is needed for the same amount of heating or cooling.
5. COP values are generally greater than 1 because these systems move more energy than they consume.

Review Questions

• How do you calculate the coefficient of performance (COP) for a refrigeration system?
• Why does a higher COP indicate a more efficient refrigeration system or heat pump?
• What does it mean if the COP value is greater than 1?

Related terms

Second Law of Thermodynamics: States that entropy in an isolated system always increases over time and processes occur in a certain direction.

Refrigerator: A device used to transfer heat from a low-temperature region to a high-temperature region by doing work.

Heat Pump: A device that transfers heat from one place to another, typically from outside to inside during winter and vice versa during summer.