How to convert power to energy in a heat pump problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the coefficient of performance (CoP) and heat gained from outdoors for a heat pump with a 120W electric motor supplying 600W of heat. The correct CoP is determined to be 5, derived from the formula CoP = Qin / W, where Qin is the total heat input. The heat gained from outdoors is calculated as 480W. The conversation highlights common mistakes in interpreting power and energy units, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, specifically heat pumps
  • Familiarity with the coefficient of performance (CoP) formula
  • Basic knowledge of power and energy units (Watts and Joules)
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and dimensional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of thermodynamics related to heat pumps
  • Learn about the Carnot efficiency and its comparison to CoP
  • Explore practical applications of heat pumps in HVAC systems
  • Review common mistakes in energy calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering or physics, HVAC professionals, and anyone involved in energy efficiency and heat pump technology will benefit from this discussion.

Tangeton
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Homework Statement


A heat pump fitted with a 120W electric motor supplies 600W of heat per second to a room from outdoors. Calculate: a) the coefficient of performance of the heat pump
b) the heat gained from outdoors.

Homework Equations


Coeff of performance for heat pump = Qin/ W = Qin/(Qin-Qout)
Qin = Qout + W

The Attempt at a Solution


(a)
P = 600J/s
W = 120

P = Wt --> 600 = 120t --> t = 0.2s
Qout = Pt = 600 x 0.2 = 120J

Qin = 120 + 120 = 240

Qin/Qin - Qout = 240/240-120 = 2

The answer is 5.

(b)
120.

The answer is 480W
Please help...
 
Last edited:
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Dear T,

Unfortunately, the errors start already with the rendering of the problem statement: you can't "supply 600W of heat per second" :
either you supply 600 Watt or you supply 600 J/s. No wonder, because ##1W \equiv 1J/s##.

My guess: you misread or mistyped.

It gets a little worse when you write "P = Wt --> 600 = 120t --> t = 0.2s" . This is the wrong calculation, but on top of that it's executed wrong. You should be able to check the results from your calculator, e.g. 600 divided by approximately 100 should be approximately 6. (Or you know that 5 x 12 = 60 so 5 x 120 = 600).

And -- considering the above -- including the dimensions: 600 W / 120 W = 5 (without a dimension: it's a ratio).

Funny that this 5 looks a lot like the answer to (a). Any idea why ?

(b) is easy now, isn't it ?
 
BvU said:
Dear T,

Unfortunately, the errors start already with the rendering of the problem statement: you can't "supply 600W of heat per second" :
either you supply 600 Watt or you supply 600 J/s. No wonder, because ##1W \equiv 1J/s##.

My guess: you misread or mistyped.

It gets a little worse when you write "P = Wt --> 600 = 120t --> t = 0.2s" . This is the wrong calculation, but on top of that it's executed wrong. You should be able to check the results from your calculator, e.g. 600 divided by approximately 100 should be approximately 6. (Or you know that 5 x 12 = 60 so 5 x 120 = 600).

And -- considering the above -- including the dimensions: 600 W / 120 W = 5 (without a dimension: it's a ratio).

Funny that this 5 looks a lot like the answer to (a). Any idea why ?

(b) is easy now, isn't it ?
So 600 is the Qin, and work done 120?
I want to use the equation somehow but I just literally cannot understand what part of the equation those numbers are...
 
You know what, its funny because I mistakenly said its not 600W but 900W in my first tries, which is why I failed to get the right answer...
 
I take it this exercise was given to you in the context of a lecture or a chapter on heat pumps or so ?

For a heat pump, in ##CoP = {Q\over W}## Q is the heat delivered and W is the work consumed by the heat pump.

It's kind of the opposite of a Carnot engine, where Qin is picked up, Qout is given off and W is delivered.

Carnot efficiency can never be > 1 , but a CoP can.

its funny because I mistakenly said its not 600W but 900W in my first tries, which is why I failed to get the right answer...
Work a bit slower, check all and every dimensions; before using a calculator, estimate the outcome of calculations. Try not to work too fast.
 

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