Development of Thermoelectric Heat Pump Water Heaters

Abstract

Experiments verified that a thermoelectric heat pump system is more efficient than an electrical heating device, for its heating coefficient reached more than 1.6 with suitable operating conditions. Two novel instantaneous water heaters were developed and tested successively. The prototype with circulating water pump can save power consumption more than 40% in comparison with conventional electric water heaters, while the prototype integrating with thermosiphon can save more than 38%. Comparing two prototypes, the latter prototype becomes more compact, more technologically advanced and practical, because it eliminated the working life choke-point of the former, while holding the advantages, such as high efficiency, reliability, safety, environmental friendly. © 2005, Architectural Institute of Japan. All rights reserved.