A reversible heat pump is used to maintain the water temperature in a water heater at a constant value of 80 oC. The heat pump receives heat from its surrounding that is at a uniform 6 oC. Under steady operating conditions, cold water at 15 oC and 200 kPa enters the water heater with a flow rate of 54 kg/min and leaves the water heater at 80 oC and 200 kPa. During its operation the water heater loses heat to its surroundings at the rate of 5400 kJ/hr.
a) Calculate the rate at which heat is supplied to the water heater by the heat pump (kW)
b) Calculate the minimum power required to operate the heat pump