Thermal Optimization of Partitioned Electric Water Heaters for Energy Conservation

Optimum design and selection of storage type electric water heaters were analyzed for energy conservation. The thermal performance of a single tank electric water heater is compared with that of partitioned electric water heater for the same average domestic hourly hot water use pattern according to Becker’s profile. Both water heaters have the same volume capacity and total power rating while the temperature of the hot water was kept between 60 and 65oC. It is concluded that a partitioned electric water heater provides more hot water and reduces energy consumption whereas the upper part of the tank has 25% of the total volume and 75% of the total power rating.

To evaluate single tank and partitioned electric water heaters transient energy balance equations have been derived and solved. Some assumptions made and thermodynamic properties received to use the evaluate differential equations. To represent water heater models equations required data obtained from literature.