Visit the Energy Systems Laboratory Homepage.
A Comparison of Domestic Water Heating Options in the Austin Electric Service Area
Abstract
This report examines the energy, demand, and
economic effects of three alternative electric
water heating systems from the perspective of both
the City of Austin Electric Utility and its
ratepayers. An hourly computer simulation was
used to model the operation of (1) a conventional
electric resistance water heater (ERWH), (2) a
heat pump water heater (HPWH), and (3) a heat
recovery water heater (HRWH). Data from a
previously conducted field test of solar water
heaters (SWH) in the Austin area was used to
compare this fourth water heating option. In the
base case, the SWH was found to save the most
energy relative to a conventional ERWH followed by
the HPWH and the HRWH, respectively. However,
under most economic assumptions thought to be
reasonable for the Austin area, the heat recovery
water heater appeared to be the best choice for
the Austin all-electric ratepayer. From the
Utility's perspective, it was determined that: (1)
widespread ratepayer use of heat recovery water
heater systems would be beneficial to the Utility;
(2) ratepayer use of solar water heater systems
would be marginally beneficial to the Utility; and
(3) ratepayer use of heat pump water heater
systems would not be beneficial to the Utility.
Citation
Vliet, G. C.; Hood, D. B. (1985). A Comparison of Domestic Water Heating Options in the Austin Electric Service Area. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6846.