HVAC & Refrigeration

Intermediate

Coefficient of Performance (Cooling)

Cooling delivered per unit of work input — higher is more efficient.

Formula

COP = \frac{Q_c}{W}

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Variables

COPCoefficient of performance

Q_cHeat removed (W)

WWork input (W)

Example

Q_c=3500 W, W=1000 W: COP = 3.5

Did You Know?

A COP of 3.5 means the unit moves 3.5 times more heat than the electrical energy it consumes.

hvac cop efficiency

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More in HVAC & Refrigeration

Sensible Heat Load

Heat needed to change air or water temperature without a phase change.

Latent Heat Load

Heat absorbed or released when moisture condenses or evaporates — the hidden load air conditioners fight.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

Cooling capacity in BTU/h per watt of power — a common AC rating.

Refrigeration Tons

Cooling capacity in tons, where one ton removes 12,000 BTU/h.

Airflow (Sensible)

Air volume flow needed to carry a sensible heat load (imperial units).

Carnot COP (Refrigerator)

Maximum possible cooling efficiency between two temperatures (in kelvin).