Coefficient of Performance
The ratio of cooling or heating to energy consumption.
for heat pumps
COP = QH/W
for refrigerators and air conditioners:
COP = QL/W
where
QH = Heat In
QL = Rejected Heat
The upper limit of COP is based on reversed Carnot Cycle:
Heat pumps:
COPc = TH /(TH - TL)
Refrigeration:
COPc = TL /(TH - TL)
See also: Power, Thermoelectric Cooling.
Subjects: Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Thermodynamics