Question

What is a water-source heat pump? How does the COP of a water-source heat pump system compare to that of an air-source system?

Short answer

Answer: Water-source heat pump systems generally have higher COP values and overall efficiency compared to air-source heat pump systems, due to the stable temperature of water sources and less dependency on outside air temperature. The COP of a water-source heat pump system ranges from 3 to 6, while the COP of an air-source heat pump system ranges from 2 to 4.5.

Step-by-step solution

Define a water-source heat pump

A water-source heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that transfers heat between a building and a nearby water source, such as a lake, river, or even underground water source. These systems use the constant temperature of water that makes them very efficient in both heating and cooling applications.

Define an air-source heat pump

An air-source heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that transfers heat between a building and the outside air. These systems extract heat from the air and transfer it to the building during the heating season, while extracting heat from the building and transferring it to the outside air during the cooling season.

Explain Coefficient of Performance (COP)

Coefficient of Performance (COP) is defined as the ratio of useful heat output (or cooling) to the amount of electrical energy input to the system. It is an important parameter to evaluate the efficiency of a heat pump system.

Compare COP for water-source and air-source heat pump systems

Water-source heat pump systems generally have higher COP values than air-source heat pump systems because water has a more stable temperature than air, which makes the heat transfer process more efficient. In addition, water-source heat pump systems generally have lower operational costs and are less affected by the outside air temperature, making them more efficient even in extreme weather conditions. The COP of a water-source heat pump system ranges from 3 to 6, while the COP of an air-source heat pump system ranges from 2 to 4.5. In conclusion, water-source heat pump systems generally have higher COP values and overall efficiency compared to air-source heat pump systems, due to the stable temperature of water sources and less dependency on outside air temperature.