Heat-pump source and price threshold checker

Define the service boundary, then check every constraint. Built-in values are resettable fictional teaching examples; results prepare further review.

Heat and duration must be positive, 1 < COP ≤ 10, and 0 < boiler efficiency ≤ 100%. Limits, source availability and losses may be zero. Signed energy prices are preserved.

1. Useful service and delivery state

Required useful process heat (MW_th)Continuous coincident duty duration (h)Required process delivery temperature (°C)Guaranteed process delivery temperature (°C)

2. Machine and electrical boundary

Heating COP at gross heat-pump output / compressor inputUse a validated performance point at the actual source/sink conditions; excludes separately entered auxiliaries.Heat lost between heat-pump output and useful process (MW_th)Separate electrical auxiliaries (MW_e)Do not enter auxiliary energy twice if already included in the declared COP.Validated gross heat-pump output limit (MW_th)Net electrical import headroom for compressor and listed auxiliaries (MW_e)

3. Coincident source availability

Simultaneously recoverable source heat (MW_th)Source availability overlapping the complete duty (h)

4. Comparable energy prices and evidence

Duty electricity price per MWh_eBaseline fuel price per MWh_fuelFuel-to-useful-process-heat efficiency (%)Efficiency and fuel price must use the same LHV/HHV basis.Common price currencyPerformance, source, state, price and timing evidence

I have checked the COP boundary, actual source/sink conditions, output, timing, prices and evidence references.

Methods, formulas and boundaries

Simplified steady heating balance: gross heat-pump heat = useful process heat + entered downstream heat loss; compressor work = gross heat / entered heating COP; required source heat = gross heat − compressor work.

COP applies to gross heat-pump output divided by compressor electricity at the stated operating point; require 1 < COP ≤ 10 here. List auxiliaries separately and avoid counting the same auxiliary twice. Useful delivery COP = useful heat/(compressor + listed auxiliaries).

For the same useful service and compatible LHV/HHV basis, boiler fuel = useful heat/boiler efficiency. Energy-only break-even electricity price = boiler period fuel cost / total heat-pump period electricity.

The price threshold and hypothetical cost remain visible when a physical gate fails. They do not establish savings, annual performance, payback, carbon reduction or an approved design. Include tariffs, capital, maintenance and downtime in a separate project study.

Source and delivery temperatures, flow, part-load behaviour and source timing require a validated performance map. This screen does not infer a COP from temperature, simulate a changing source, or validate pressure, steam quality or protection.

Continue learning and project preparation

Study the related lesson

Reviewed 26 October 2026. Teaching methods and calculations are original. Primary references support background; they are not local project approvals.

DOE · Industrial Heat Pumps for Steam and Fuel Savings

Study the calculation background Data request and evidence check

Sources and review date

Reviewed 26 October 2026. Text, diagrams and exercises are original. All numerical cases use stated teaching assumptions, rather than site measurements or manufacturer commitments. These primary sources support the technical background; verify their applicability to each project.

[H1] ARENA / HILT CRC · TES for Industrial Process Heat: A Practical Guide (2026) ↗
Integrated assessment of process heat and thermal storage.

[H2] IEA · How a Heat Pump Works ↗
Heat-source, useful-output and COP concepts.

[H3] IEA · Heat Pump Monitor 2026: Key Findings ↗
Industrial integration, temperature and economic context.

[H4] DOE · Industrial Heat Pumps for Steam and Fuel Savings ↗
Foundational engineering explanation; not a current local approval rule.