Research and development of a high-efficiency gas-fired water heater. Phase II. Production prototype design and development

Technical Report · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5973085

Vasilakis, A D; Gerstmann, J

The second phase of the development of a high-efficiency, gas-fired water heater is described. The objective of the Phase II effort was to develop a production prototype based on the Phase I prototype design that met the project goal of a 70% service efficiency. The Phase II project began with a manufacturing analysis of the Phase I prototype by AMTROL, the manufacturing subcontractor. This was followed by an endurance test of a prototype built by AMTROL to the Phase I design. This test consisted of accelerated usage, including operation with both soft and hard water. The remainder of the Phase II project was devoted to improving the manufacturability, serviceability and performance of the high-efficiency water heater. A large part of the Phase II effort was spent in improving the efficiency from 62.6% to 71.4%. During the Phase II portion of the project, two very significant achievements were attained. First, a premixed, natural draft, combustion system was developed that had a clean compact flame. Second, a battery-powered spark ignition system was developed with the potential for lasting the life of the water heater without battery replacement.

• Research Organization: Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc., Newton, MA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 5973085
• Report Number(s): ORNL/Sub-77-7381/3; ON: DE83014609
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
GAS APPLIANCES
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
WATER HEATERS
COMBUSTION
IGNITION SYSTEMS
MAINTENANCE
PERFORMANCE
TESTING
APPLIANCES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
HEATERS
OXIDATION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
320101* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Residential Buildings- (-1987)