Seasonal efficiency coefficient (definition)

Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) — is an indicator that characterizes the average annual efficiency of heating or cooling equipment, for example, heat pump, under real operating conditions throughout the entire heating season.

Seasonal efficiency coefficient: main aspects

• Measurement: SCOP is the ratio of the amount of heat energy produced to the amount of electrical energy consumed over the entire heating season. The higher the SCOP, the more efficient the device is.
• Real conditions: Unlike the standard coefficient of performance (COP), which is measured under fixed, optimal conditions, SCOP takes into account changing temperature conditions and operating modes throughout the season. This makes SCOP a more accurate indicator for assessing the energy efficiency of equipment under real-world operating conditions.
• Application: SCOP is used to compare the efficiency of different heating systems and select the most economical solution for heating or cooling spaces.

Example:

A heat pump with a SCOP of 4.0 will produce 4 kW of thermal energy for every 1 kW of electrical energy consumed during the heating season.