COP (Coefficient of Performance)

The Co-efficient of performance (COP) is an expression of the efficiency of a heat pump. When calculating the COP for a heat pump, the heat output from the condenser (Q) is compared to the power supplied to the compressor (W).

_{COP =} |Q|
          W

COP is defined as the relationship between the power (kW) that is drawn out of the heat pump as cooling or heat, and the power (kW) that is supplied to the compressor.

For example:

A given heat pump used for air cooling has a COP = 2. This means that 2 kW of cooling power is achieved for each kW of power consumed by the pump’s compressor.

COP is indicated without units. Therefore, the produced heat and the supplied power employ the same units during COP calculation.

In contrast to COP, COSP (Co-efficient of System Performance) is a description of the total (electrical) energy used by a heat pump in relation to the total work done (cooling or heating) by the pump.

COSP can therefore be defined as the electrical power in kW used to produce 1 kW of cooling. 

_{COSP =} |Q|
            W

COSP is expressed as a ratio. The values of Q and W must therefore have the same unit in order for COSP to be calculated.

Grundfos circulator pumps and water transfer pumps meet the COP and COSP requirements for air conditioning and cooling applications in buildings as well as HVAC OEM requirements.