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Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
Introduction
A water heater having improved operating characteristics and lower costs
of manufacturing is described. In this sense, the water heater has a unified
combustion chamber and burner construction. Water heaters are commonly
employed in homes and small businesses to heat water for domestic use. Water
heaters are produced in large numbers and sold to consumers in a very
competitive market. A large portion of these devices use gaseous fuel, such as
natural gas or bottled gas, as an energy source.
Conventional gas fired water heaters often include a tank adapted to
contain a body of water, a water inlet, a water outlet, a combustion chamber
disposed below or within the tank, a gas regulator and a burner disposed within
the combustion chamber. The entire structure is thermally insulated.
Conventionally, the gas regulator senses the temperature of water within the
tank. When the water temperature drops below a certain minimum, gas is
allowed to flow to the burner within the combustion chamber where it is ignited,
heating the combustion chamber and the body of water above or around the
combustion chamber. The products of combustion are vented through a flue
connected to the combustion chamber and passing through the water containing
tank. This general construction has been common for the last fifty years.
Numerous variations upon this construction have been created in attempts to
increase efficiency and otherwise improve operating characteristics.
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Over the last several years, the efficiency of water heaters has become an
important characteristic. This is the result of government regulation and also
heightened consumer awareness concerning consumption of natural resources.
Additionally, concern for the environment has made the elimination of potentially
polluting substances from the products of combustion more important. While gas
fired water heaters are very low polluters when compared to other fuel
consuming products, there are many water heaters. Government bodies and
consumers have therefore sought to further reduce the contribution of pollutants
emanating from water heaters.
In addition to all of the above very important design criteria, cost is a very
important factor in producing water heaters. Water heaters are purchased by
builders and home owners in a very competitive environment. The products are
mass produced and sold throughout a large marketplace. In the United States,
national companies compete very aggressively for sales. Water heaters must
therefore be very economically manufactured or they will not sell and consumers
will not gain the benefits of design improvements.
In conventional water heaters, the above objects are not optimally
achieved. Additionally, the cost of manufacturing remains high. A number of
different components including a tank, a combustion chamber, a burner, a
reflecting pan under the burner to protect the bottom of the water heater from
burner heat and numerous other elements are manufactured and assembled.
Often, changing a design to address one of the above identified problems
compromises another of the problems or increases cost significantly.
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Table 1. Schematic Diagram of the Present Study
This shows the paradigm/schematic diagram of the study includes the
Input, Process and Output (IPO) format. The Input includes the mechanisms,
systems, design structures, set ups/tests, sample prototype and performance of
the powerbank which will present its external features and functions with
respect to energy saving, battery and cellphone (gadget) charging. Process
shows that powerbank has its solar panel powered by solar energy to support its
function in saving energy and gadget charging and recharging. Meanwhile, the
output of this study is to come up with a powerbank with solar panel powered by
solar energy which will support alternative solution for power shortage and
sudden brownout of the locale.
Designs and
Mechanisms
Utility and
Functions
Experiments and
Protoype
Heating Activity
Performance
Electric-Powered Homemade
Water Heater
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Significance of the Study
The results of this study will provide enough information to the following
entities or group of individuals.
Electrical Technology Instructors: This study will give them information
in terms of the design of the homemade water heater so that
will be included in their instruction and in order that their students will be
able to understand the significance of designing a certain technology creatively
and originally to support the consumption of solar energy. Furthermore, this study
will help them planned well to design a new technology manually to support and
inspire students to become creative and inventive in their field of specialization
through their guidance, assistance and expertise.
Electrical Technology Students: This study will help them understand
the mechanisms, systems, design structures, set ups/tests, prototype, and
performance of the powerbank in order to know its parts, functions, tests and set
ups, performance and sample prototype of the design powerbank. Moreover, this
study tries to give further inputs on how energy and electricity are interrelated
with respect to their functions to a certain technology. In other words, this study
will showcase how the powerbank is supported by the solar panel and how the
solar panel traps/captures the solar energy to save it in its system.
Future Researchers: This study will give a background knowledge on
the design of powebank with solar panel powered by solar energy in order to
understand its fundamental functions, mechanisms , set ups/tests and sample
prototype in developing/assembling the powerbank. Furthermore, this will give
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information with respect to the importance of solar energy and its benefits to
technologies and mankind. For instance, the design of powerbank supports
technology and energy-use wise consumption.
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Statement of the Problem
The design of the homemade water heater is encouraged in order to promote
efficient and fast heating and boiling of water. In other words, there is no need of
households to use stoves and kettles in heating and boiling water.
This study will seek specifically to answer the following questions:
1. What are internal and external design mechanisms of the homemade
water heater?
2. What are specific utilities and functions of the homemade water heater
with to heating and boiling?
3. What are experimental activities/set ups that involved in the use of the
homemade water heater?
4. What is a sample prototype for the homemade water heater?
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This research is conducted at the Electrical Technology Laboratory Room
at Surigao del Sur State University-Cagwait Campus from January to March of
the Academic year 2015-2016. Furthermore, this embraces on designs and
mechanisms utility and functions experiments and protoype of the homemade
water heater.
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Definition of Terms
The different terminologies used in the development of the study are
operationally and lexically defined below for clarity and easy understanding
among readers:
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Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
This chapter presents the Review of Related Literature and Related
Studies of the present study.
Related Literature
Foreign
Foreign Literature
Storage water heaters typically function through the consumption of
electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane (NRCan, 2003), with the particular energy
source that is chosen varying according to fuel availability (and presumably
costs). These domestic water heaters have a large storage capacity – 20 to 80
gallons or 75.7 to 302.8 litres (US DOE, 1995) – and are able to supply high flow
rates of hot water, although only for limited periods of time (Wiehagen and
Sikora, 2002b).
As water heating is constantly maintained, regardless of an existing
demand for hot water, these types of water heaters are subject to standby as
well as distribution heat losses.1 Residential buildings in the U.S. Pacific
Northwest were found to have an average standby water heater energy
consumption of 1200 kWh/yr (Pratt et al., 1993). Homes with low use patterns
4.1 Storage Water Heaters
Storage water heaters typically function through the consumption of
electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane (NRCan, 2003), with the particular
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energy source that is chosen varying according to fuel availability (and
presumably costs). These domestic water heaters have a large storage capacity
– 20 to 80 gallons or 75.7 to 302.8 litres (US DOE, 1995) – and are able to
supply high flow rates of hot water, although only for limited periods of time
(Wiehagen and Sikora, 2002b).
As water heating is constantly maintained, regardless of an existing
demand for hot water, these types of water heaters are subject to standby as
well as distribution heat losses.1 have higher standby and distribution losses with
tank systems (Wiehagen and Sikora, 2002b). Of all water heating options,
electric-fueled conventional storage tanks have one of the highest values of
annual operating costs and of projected costs over 13 years of operation.
Gas-fired conventional tanks heat water faster and have lower annual and
projected lifetime costs. The conventional atmospheric draft gas heater is
subject to heat loss as airflows up the flue remove heat from the heater tank.
Energy Factors for a 40-gallon (150 litre) gas-fired unit range from 0.42 to 0.86,
with most being less than 0.65 (US DOE, 2000a).
Direct vent or induced draft gas fired heaters have a draft inducer fan that
controls the draft and reduces excess airflows to a minimum, thus increasing
efficiency. These latter types of gas heaters appear to be starting to capture
market share in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta (Fig. 4.2) and have
EF values up to 0.75 (US DOE, 2000a). In the condensing boiler type of gas fired
water heater, the combustion products in the flue gas are condensed and more
heat is extracted in the form of latent energy. These units capture almost all of
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the heat value of condensing flue gas water vapor. The forced draft burners in
these units also eliminate off-cycle heat transfer to the flue. This increased
efficiency results in EF values of up to 0.90 (US DOE, 2000a).
Tank water heater efficiency is improved by increasing tank insulation and flue
baffling, using an anti-convection valve or heat trap, or by using sealed
combustion designs.
Research and testing has also been performed to evaluate various
configurations of dual-tank (electric) systems where each tank has one or two
operational heating elements (Hiller, 1996). Dual tank configurations may offer
potential advantages for achieving desirable electrical load shapes and for
maximizing cost-effectiveness when used with high efficiency alternative water-
heating systems such as heat pump water heaters, desuperheaters,2 and solar
water heaters.
Demand or instantaneous water heaters that do not continuously heat and store
water are often referred to as tankless systems. A gas burner or electric element
automatically ignites when a faucet is turned on and hot water is delivered on
demand, thus allowing for a reduction in stand-by heat losses. While gas
demand heaters typically have a higher hot water output than electric models,
their one overall limitation is the flow rate. Heated water flow rates range from 7
to 15 litres/minute (US DOE, 1995). As a result, demand water heaters are best
suited for households with low simultaneous demands. The initial unit cost is
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higher than either electric or natural gas conventional storage water heaters, but
operating costs for the gas demand models
are lower. Fuel consumption for gas-powered units can be higher if pilots remain
lit, but units are now produced with electronic ignitions that reduce this cost.
Efficiency factors for electronic ignition models are cited as 0.84 (Platts, 2004).
Tankless Coil, Indirect, and Condensing Water Heaters Tankless coil water
heaters use a heat exchanger integrated with a space-heating boiler to heat
water instantaneously. This type of heater works well in cold climates where the
boiler is used frequently, but is less efficient in warmer climates. While this
system avoids the need to have a separate water heating system, this means
that the space heating system must be operated in the non-heating season just
to heat water. Indirect water heaters circulate water through a heat exchanger in
a boiler. This heated water then flows to an insulated storage tank. Because the
boiler does not need to operate frequently, this system is more efficient than the
tankless coil. Condensing residential water heaters are typically installed as
combination space and water heating units. In addition to being able to capture
over 90% of input energy, these heaters can capture almost all of the heat value
of condensing flue gas water vapor to liquid, and their forced draft burners
eliminate off-cycle heat transfers to the flue. However this efficiency comes
with a substantial initial cost premium (Sachs et al. 2004).
5. Measuring and Analyzing Domestic Hot Water Consumption
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In metered studies, domestic hot water consumption and/or energy
required for domestic water heating (or for other purposes) and/or energy use by
appliances within the home are measured under typical household conditions
(Wenzel et al., 1997). The measurement and analysis of domestic hot water
consumption is usually accomplished using one of two methods – the
temperature-based event inference method and the flow trace signature analysis
method. In the latter, flow measurements are made as water leaves the hot water
tank, and selected supporting temperature measurements are made at the main
piping branches. Temperature-based event inference methods involve
temperature measurements as close as possible to specific end uses, with flow
measurements at the hot water tank outlet (Henze et al. 2002). Although flow
trace analysis is less intrusive and requires less instrumentation, temperature-
based event inference is more accurate and capable of separating out
simultaneous events.
According to Henze et al., (2002), existing information about residential
hot water use is limited and largely out of date. Not all water heating fuels are
represented, and the majority of studies focus on electric storage type heater
systems. There is limited consistency between studies, and the occupancy
characteristics are often incomplete or uncorrelated with specific sites (Henze et
al., 2002). Tiller et al. (2004) describe an online database for domestic hot water
use data that could be used to resolve and summarize usage trends for individual
end uses.
A Review of Your Electric Hot Water Choices, Eric Hahn 2016
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Electric Storage Hot Water Systems
Also known as hot water tanks or cylinders, these have been the most common
hot water system in Australia for decades. Unfortunately, with the rising cost of
electricity and the high greenhouse gas emissions associated with generating the
required electricity, these units are falling out of favour. In fact, the government
has passed legislation to try and limit their use.
Electric water heaters that heat all day are your most expensive option.
Off peak electric storage units are better, as off peak electricity tariffs are lower.
However, as they only heat water at night, they need to be quite large to make
sure you don’t run out of water during the day. So, some of the electric savings is
offset by the fact that you need to heat a larger tank. The bigger tank would also
cost more to purchase.Still, many people with an old electric unit are tempted to
replace like-for-like and continue using an electric storage unit. It is a quick, one
day fix and the upfront costs are not prohibitive. However, the long term
disadvantages need to be considered.
Local
Related Studies
Foreign
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Electric Water Heaters
The typical electric unit is wired to a 220-volt circuit. To heat the
water, the current passes through electrical-resistance heating
elements—usually two, one at the middle of the tank and one at the
bottom.
Power is delivered to each element through a thermostat—a switch
that senses the water temperature. When the temperature drops, the
switch closes to allow current flow, and it opens when the temperature
reaches its preset limit. Thermostats have a dial for setting the maximum
water temperature—generally between 130 degrees and 140 degreesF, or
as low as about 120 degreesF for increased energy savings and scald
protection.
When a hot-water tap is opened, cold water enters the tank
through the dip tube and the drop in temperature triggers the thermostat
and element at the bottom. As the water at the top of the tank is replaced
by cool water, the temperature at the top thermostat drops and its
element kicks in. When the tap is turned off, the heating elements
continue to carry current until the thermostats are satisfied.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-
to/a153/1275141/
Electric water heaters, just like air conditioners, can be controlled by
utilities to cut peak power demand.
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But unlike air conditioners, pool pumps, clothes dryers or
refrigerators, water heaters can also store energy in the form of hot
water – and that could make them additionally useful in storing
renewable power from such intermittent sources as wind farms.Those
are some of the conclusions of a new report from the Peak Load
Management Association, a group representing utilities, smart grid,
demand response and energy companies.
About 53 million homes in the United States, or 42 percent of the
total, use electric hot water heaters, the report found. Added up, they
account for 13 percent to 17 percent of nationwide residential electricity
use, the report found.
Controlling water heaters to shave peak demand is not new.
Several million homes in the country are hooked up with such controls
by utilities as Portland General Electric, Great River Energy and others –
a smaller share than those with remote-controlled air conditioners, but
still a sizeable piece of today's demand response market.
But if only a quarter of the remaining electric water heaters could
be fitted out to turn off at peak demand times, that could save the
country about 5.3 gigawatts of peak power demand – and that equates to
a $424 million savings in costs of producing that peak power, the report
found.
The New Face of Damage Assessment
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That's the first and most obvious benefit to turning off water heaters
during peak electricity demand times. Because most water heaters store
their heat with a high degree of efficiency, customers in pilot programs
haven't reported any widespread negative effects of losing hot water
over the one-hour curtailment the report assumed.
Going to longer periods of curtailment, as is done in programs from
Minnesota utility Great River Energy, does require larger and more
efficient water heaters to avoid losing hot water when it's wanted, but
can save even more peak electricity and money, the report found.
That ability to store energy makes water heaters a good candidate for
storing renewable energy generated during off-peak hours, the report
said.
The most obvious application would be storing power from wind
turbines, which tend to be most productive at night, the report found.
That could be beneficial to a state like Texas, which has the largest
share of wind power in the U.S. and has already seen some trouble
finding ways to put it to use (see Texas Wind Farms Paying People to
Take Power).
But to do that more effectively, water heaters would need to run
hotter than the standard 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which would require
additional controls to mix cold water with that hotter-than-usual water to
avoid scalding people in the shower or other such mishaps, the report
noted.
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It would also require some kind of utility-to-home communication,
such as through smart meters or through so-called "direct load control"
switches that give utilities the ability to turn them on and off.
Direct load control is how most demand response for home appliances
is handled today. But of course, most of the utilities deploying tens of
millions of smart meters around the country intend to extend
communications from those meters into homes to interact with a new
generation of "smart" appliances that could give customers more control
– and thus, expand the pool of people willing to use them.
Those could be set by customers to power down during peak hours, or
perhaps programmed to automatically power down when peak energy
prices rise – though such variable pricing systems are still in their
infancy "Smart" water heaters are already being produced by General
Electric, which rolled them out last month (see New York Times' Green
Inc. blog).
More smart appliances are to come – Whirlpool intends to make
one million smart clothes dryers by 2011, and GE has a line of
appliances it wants to bring to consumers in the coming years (see
Whirlpool Plans 1M Smart Dryers by 2011 and GE's Smart Appliances:
Smarter With GE Home Energy Manager).
But just how these smart appliances will integrate with different utility-
to-home communication systems being contemplated by utilities
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remains an open question (seeGreen Light post and Utilities Mull Price
Points, Policies for Home Energy Management).
Duke Energy is also looking at hot water heaters as one of many means
to balance out more moment-to-moment changes in power produced
from solar panels, David Mohler, the utility's chief technology officer,
said.
"What I could do is come up with an algorithm to vary the power draw on
the heating element on the hot water heater and use that to balance the
fluctuation of the solar panel output," he said. "We're still grappling with
how to orchestrate that." eff St. John
November 08, 2013
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/water-heaters-for-wind-
energy-storage
Local
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Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter covers the research design, research locale, and research
planning and procedure and research time target.
RESEARCH DESIGN
This study used developmental-experimental research design in order to
understand its design and mechanisms and to analyze it experimental set ups in
conducting heating activities. For instance, Homemade Water Heater.
RESEARCH LOCALE
This study was conducted at Electrical Technology Laboratory of the
Surigao del Sur State University-Cagwait Campus, Poblacion, Cagwait, Surigao
del Sur for Academic Year 2015-2016.
RESEARCH PLANNING AND PROCEDURE
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A letter of request to conduct the study entitled ” Homemade Water
Heater” was submitted to the Office of the Campus Director of this Campus
which allowed the student researchers to use the Electrical Laboratory Room for
their developmental and experimental research activities. After the approval was
secured, the design, planning and conceptualizing of the Homemade Water
Heater was started.
RESEARCH TIME TARGET
The time target accomplishment of this research will be on January to
March of the Academic Year 2015-2016. Thus, there are series of experiments,
and tests will be involved and conducted for homemade water heater in terms of
water heating and boiling activities.