We propose a centrally adapted control model that allows for coordinated scheduling to adapt the optimal control schedule of each EWH, spreading the load into off-peak periods to ensure that the grid's generation capacity is not exceeded. But existing methods disregard the connection between the user and the grid. Since they are thermal storage devices, advanced control strategies can improve their efficiency. Electric water heaters account for 40% of residential energy consumption. Demand-side management strategies can reduce overall energy usage and shift consumption to reduce peak loads. The platform will be used to validate existing models, but also to train and assess machine learning models.īreakthroughs in smart grid technology make it possible to deliver electricity in controlled and intelligent ways to improve energy efficiency between the user and the utility.
#4peaks power outlet full#
In this work we propose a platform to fully characterise stratification in horizontal water heaters, which includes full user and environmental emulation. Moreover, none have been validated in the environmental and user envelope. Some validation has been done for vertical water heaters, but limited work exists for horizontal water heaters. Validating the models are heavily dependent on usage profiles, environmental conditions, and heating schedules or electrical availability. Thermal models for simulation of water heaters used in planning and smart control, therefore, need to accurately reflect what happens inside the water heater, while being computationally efficient. However, poor application thereof could come at the cost of energy savings, user comfort, and health risks. However, their capacity to store energy makes them well suited to demand-side management. We conclude by highlighting potential for further research.Įlectric water heaters are a large contributor to domestic electrical energy dissipation and contribute disproportionally to the domestic load during peak grid hours. The importance of doing so is highlighted by the preliminary results, which clearly show the expected substantial temperature variation along the vertical axis, but also show interesting phenomena along the longitudinal and transverse axes, for both static (no water draw) and dynamic (with water draw) conditions.
#4peaks power outlet software#
In this paper, we present the development of an embedded hardware and software platform with which the temperature variations inside a horizontal water heater can be characterised under numerous environmental and usage conditions. Although this has been assessed inside vertically oriented tanks, what happens inside the horizontal variety-ubiquitous in developing countries-is currently left to the guesswork. The latter affects the stratification and temperature variation inside the tank, and therefore has a direct bearing on the balancing act of demand management. As a black box, this unknown is dependent on a multitude of environmental factors (e.g., ambient temperature and inlet temperature), water draw patterns, scheduling, set temperatures and orientation of the vessel. However, finding the balance between managing power load, reducing thermal energy losses, user’s convenience, and bacterial growth control, requires accurate modelling of the internal thermal dynamics of the tank, including stratification. In low- and middle-income countries, like South Africa, misdiagnosis of Legionellosis may be common due to the shadow cast by HIV and TB prevalence.Įlectric water heaters, which have the capacity to act as thermal energy storage, are well suited to demand management strategies in smart grid applications. A model is used to determine the potential infection rate from these concentrations, demonstrating that undiagnosed Legionellosis infection is likely. Microbiological techniques (PCR and weight-based qRT-PCR) are used to assess the presence of Legionella and Legionella pneumophila at point-of-use taps. The presence of Legioenlla in water heaters is established through water sampled from five in-field water heaters, of which the temperatures and heating schedules are known. This paper uses computational fluid dynamics modelling to show that a horizontal electric water heater provides an environment that is conducive to Legionella growth, although its prevalence is probably higher in the downstream pipes. However, lower water temperatures allow Legionella to flourish. Water heaters, a potential domestic niche for these pathogens, are heavy energy consumers, causing cost-sensitive users to employ energy-saving initiatives, such as scheduling and lower temperature set points. Legionella is a genus of pathogenic bacterial mesophiles that cause a range of diseases collectively referred to as Legionellosis, with immuno-compromised individuals being particularly susceptible.
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