What is the maximum possible coefficient of performance of a heat pump that is capable of maintaining the interior of a house at 23ºC when the temperature outside is -30ºC?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum possible coefficient of performance of a heat pump is given by the Carnot cycle efficiency, which is:COP = Th / (Th - Tc)where Th is the temperature of the hot reservoir and Tc is the temperature of the cold reservoir.In this case, Th = 23ºC + 273.15 = 296.15K and Tc = -30ºC + 273.15 = 243.15K.Therefore, COP = 296.15 / (296.15 - 243.15) = 4.59.

What Is the Maximum Possible Coefficient of Performance of a Heat