Based on the entropy generation minimization and entransy theory, we discuss the applicability of the concepts of entropy generation rate, entropy generation number, revised entropy generation number, exergy efficiency, entransy increase rate, entransy increase coefficient and entransy efficiency to the analyses of heat pump systems in this paper. The theoretical analyses show that all the concepts except for the entransy increase rate decrease monotonically with increasing COP, while only the entransy increase rate increases monotonically with increasing heat flow pumped into the high temperature heat sink. It is shown that the entransy increase rate is not as convenient as the other concepts for the COP analyses, while it is suitable for the analyses of the heat flow into the high temperature heat sources. Some numerical examples are also presented, and the results have verified the theoretical analyses. Therefore, the applicability of entropy generation minimization and entransy theory to the analyses of heat pump systems is conditional, depending on the design objectives. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.