Design optimization of gas/solar water heaters

Conference · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5389756

Cohen, B M; Persons, R W

Gas-fired water heater efficiency can be improved in its steadystate efficiency, and standby loss reduction. An integrated solar/ gas water heater developed by Atlas Corporation for the GRI separates preheat and backup tanks. Backup heat input is accomplished through a two-phase thermosyphon (TPTS) heat exchanger. A split tube diode eliminates interface effects between the preheat and backup sections, thus increasing the solar fraction. The preferred backup device is a tankless gas-fired water heater. Specific design for highefficiency part-load duty, using the two-phase heat exchanger and electric ignition, reduces the dramatic efficiency penalties of solar water heaters.

• Research Organization: Thermo Electron Corp., Waltham, MA
• OSTI ID: 5389756
• Report Number(s): CONF-830213-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Journal Volume: 10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140907* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Water Heating
APPLIANCES
CONTAINERS
DESIGN
DIODE TUBES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRON TUBES
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT INTERFACES
GAS APPLIANCES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEATERS
IGNITION
OPTIMIZATION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR FRACTION
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
TANKS
THERMOSYPHONS
WATER HEATERS