Electric Water Heater Energy Retrofits-Safety and Energy Savings.

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · ASHRAE Trans.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5344694

Aubury, C Douglas; Ek, Calvin W; Thor, Philip W

Investigations of the relative energy savings associated with a number of water heater conservation measures are presented. These include water heater insulation wrap, pipe insulation, and three anticonvection devices for control of pipe losses. In addition, potential service-wiring overheating problems resulting from external tank insulation are examined. Estimates of the absolute and relative savings of each conservative measure are presented. The effect of partial wrapping due to close clearances is examined. Two anticonvection valve designs are compared with the use of a simle piping loop for control of heat loss through connected piping. Variables affecting service-wire temperature are examined and their sensitivities evaluated. Variables examined include: water temperature, ambient temperature, the use of cutouts in the insulation wrap, service-wire conductor size, severity of service cycle, and heating element size.

• Research Organization: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR
• OSTI ID: 5344694
• Journal Information: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States) Vol. 89:1B; ISSN ASHTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
APPLIANCES
CONTAINERS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONVECTION
DESIGN
ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS
ELECTRIC HEATING
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY LOSSES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
HEAT LOSSES
HEATERS
HEATING
LOSSES
PIPES
RETROFITTING
SAFETY
SENSITIVITY
SIZE
TANKS
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
THERMAL INSULATION
VALVES
WATER HEATERS
WIRES
Water heaters - Energy consumption