University of Central Florida researchers have invented an insulation system that can reduce a hot water tank's heat loss by as much as 30 percent. Based on testing performed by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a hot water tank can lose a significant amount of heat through its top assembly. This results in loss of heat and in turn, higher electricity costs for the consumer. Properly insulating the upper part of a tank can be challenging, and different methods for covering it can be costly, as well. UCF's new FlexCap Hot Water Tank Insulation System offers a low-cost, simple solution for insulating and covering the tops of a variety of electric hot water tanks.

Technical Details

The invention is a hot water tank insulation system and methods for fabricating the system using a lightweight, flexible material that can fit around different sizes of pipe inlets, outlet and pressure relief valves and a variety of tank top configurations.

Benefit

Energy saving—potentially reduces an existing water tank's heat loss of by 20-30 percent

Very low cost

Flexible and adjustable to accommodate different water tank sizes and configurations

Market Application

Hot water tank insulation

Photovoltaic-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater Integrates Use of Solar and Conventional Energy Sources

Abstract

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a heat pump water heater (HPWH) system that enables homes and businesses to maintain a steady supply of hot water while optimizing energy usage from both solar panels and conventional power sources. Cost-efficient and easily implemented, the new Photovoltaic-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater system operates with standard heat pump water heaters and PV modules. Key to the system is a customizable and programmable controller that allows extended thermal energy storage that can displace, shift and save electricity.

Technical Details

The invention comprises the following:

At least two PV modules and microinverters for collecting sunlight and producing solar power
A commercially available heat pump water heater ( electricity from a power grid)
An electronic, customizable smart controller with a unique algorithm that enables the system to interface with and dynamically switch between solar resources and the resistive heating system connected to the conventional power grid. The controller works to consume or store all energy into the system as hot water to avoid having to export power back into the grid.

In one example use of the system, its 1-year averaged coefficient of performance (COP) was 5.4 and a daily average grid-energy consumption of only 1.2-kilowatt hours per day. The system easily provides hot water for a family of four (59 gallons per day) regulating delivery temperatures to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.