Smart IoT-Enabled Embedded Platform for Real-Time Energy Efficiency Assessment in Heat Pumps

This study presents the design, implementation, and field validation of a low-cost Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled embedded platform for real-time energy efficiency assessment of heat pump systems. The platform integrates an ESP32-based microcontroller with calibrated temperature, flow rate, and electrical current sensors to automate the determination of the coefficient of performance (COP). Unlike conventional studies that rely on high-cost instrumentation or laboratory-only trials, this work emphasizes a portable and scalable solution deployable in real environments. A three-month continuous deployment demonstrated high measurement accuracy against certified reference instruments, achieving mean absolute error (MAE) values of 0.29 °C (temperature), 0.0027 L/min (flow rate), and 0.110 A (current). Under steady-state conditions, the daily COP ranged from 1.43 to 4.43, diverging from the nominal manufacturer value of 3.83 and confirming the influence of operational and environmental factors reported by field studies. These results indicate that the platform serves not only as a diagnostic and monitoring tool but also as a replicable framework for predictive maintenance, operational optimization, and sustainable energy management in both grid-connected and off-grid applications, bridging the gap between engineering implementation and scientific assessment of heat pump performance.