The dimensionless ratio of cooling capacity (heat removed) to energy input, measuring refrigeration system efficiency. A COP of 2.5 means the system removes 2.5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electrical input. COP degrades significantly at altitude due to reduced atmospheric pressure – systems rated at COP 2.5 at sea level drop to approximately COP 2.15 at Johannesburg’s 1,750m elevation, representing 14% efficiency loss that translates directly to increased fuel consumption. COP varies with operating conditions including ambient temperature, evaporator temperature, compressor speed, and refrigerant charge. Variable-speed compressors maintain higher average COP across variable load conditions compared to fixed-speed systems that cycle on/off at maximum power. Understanding COP degradation at altitude is essential for accurate fuel consumption forecasting and operational cost budgeting in Gauteng operations. Equipment suppliers typically provide sea-level COP specifications, systematically underestimating actual fuel consumption for high-altitude South African operations.
Engineering Formula: For detailed COP degradation calculations at altitude including fuel consumption impact analysis, see Coefficient of Performance (COP) Degradation at Altitude in our Technical Formulas Reference.
Related Terms: Altitude Correction Factor, Energy Efficiency (Cold Chain), Variable Speed Compressor, High-Altitude Refrigeration