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Thermal and sanitary performance of domestic hot water cylinders: Conflicting requirements

Author

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  • Armstrong, Peter M.
  • Uapipatanakul, Meg
  • Thompson, Ian
  • Ager, Duane
  • McCulloch, Malcolm

Abstract

In order to understand the sanitary implications around the demand side management of domestic hot water cylinders, microbial samples were taken from the bottom of 10 UK domestic electric hot water tanks whose heating elements are connected to a controlled off-peak supply. The results indicated high concentrations of bacteria in the water and biofilm. Microbial concentrations remained high in spite of the application of seven hours of heating during off-peak hours. Further numerical and experimental work shows that this problem arises due to the differing modes of heat transfer that prevail above and below the immersion element. The results from thermal and bacterial growth models suggest that it is impossible to achieve sanitary conditions throughout standard domestic hot water tanks without significantly increasing the heating element temperature or lowering the heating element from its current position. Raising the immersion thermostat temperature results in additional heat losses whilst lowering the immersion position compromises thermal stratification leading to uneconomical operation. Guidelines around storing hot water at temperatures that are sufficient for the purposes of sterilizing human pathogens such as Legionella, fail to take account of the conflict between thermal and sanitary performance. By better understanding the distribution of temperatures and bacteria within hot water tanks along with the associated risks, improved design and control strategies may be adopted to facilitate effective demand side management of hot water systems whilst meeting sanitary requirements.

Suggested Citation

  • Armstrong, Peter M. & Uapipatanakul, Meg & Thompson, Ian & Ager, Duane & McCulloch, Malcolm, 2014. "Thermal and sanitary performance of domestic hot water cylinders: Conflicting requirements," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 171-179.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:131:y:2014:i:c:p:171-179
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.06.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Armstrong, P. & Ager, D. & Thompson, I. & McCulloch, M., 2014. "Domestic hot water storage: Balancing thermal and sanitary performance," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 334-339.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael J. Ritchie & Jacobus A.A. Engelbrecht & Marthinus J. Booysen, 2021. "Practically-Achievable Energy Savings with the Optimal Control of Stratified Water Heaters with Predicted Usage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-23, April.
    2. Ángel Á. Pardiñas & Pablo Durán Gómez & Fernando Echevarría Camarero & Pablo Carrasco Ortega, 2023. "Demand–Response Control of Electric Storage Water Heaters Based on Dynamic Electricity Pricing and Comfort Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-25, May.
    3. Heidari, Amirreza & Maréchal, François & Khovalyg, Dolaana, 2022. "An occupant-centric control framework for balancing comfort, energy use and hygiene in hot water systems: A model-free reinforcement learning approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    4. Armstrong, P. & Ager, D. & Thompson, I. & McCulloch, M., 2014. "Improving the energy storage capability of hot water tanks through wall material specification," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 128-140.

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