Operating a Positive Temperature Coefficient Water Heater Powered by Photovoltaic Panels

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Abstract
Domestic water heaters traditionally use natural gas or electric resistance to heat stored water. A gas water heater relies on a non-renewable resource, while an electric water heater might rely on electricity generated by a non-renewable resource. This study analyzes the performance of an electric water heater featuring a novel heating element design based on a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material powered directly by solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in a northern latitude installation. The project analyzes the operation of two different design temperatures of the PTC heating elements (50 °C, and 70 °C) when fed by three solar PV panels during the spring in the high-latitude location of Anchorage, Alaska (61.2° N). Our results show that both design temperatures of the PTC heating elements are able to achieve self-regulation at a sufficient and safe operating temperature for a domestic use case. Analysis of water heater performance directly connected to PV power showed that the PTC-equipped water heater had a limited period of heating when sufficient solar irradiance is available. Because of this, restrictive use of the water heater might be necessary during periods of non-daylight hours to preserve hot water in an insulated tank. However, this PV-to-PTC setup could be effectively used in industrial, commercial, and research settings.
Funding Information
  • Office of Naval Research (ONR) Award (#N00014-22-1-2049)

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