Project Objectives
High Priority Objectives
A working, feasible system with a COP of at least 4.0
A form of data collection for flow rates (measure water usage patterns) and water temperature
Find optimal temperatures and flow rates for optimal COP values
Have 208V primary heating element plugged in. This satisfies ASHRAE's (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standard testing requirements
Computerized simulation of the water-to-water heat pump model
Second Priority Objectives
Create a method of convenient, off-site data collection that can possibly uploaded to the internet
Create a form of backup power to supply additional energy to heat hot water in case hot water cannot reach desired temperature
Other Constraints and Issues
Feasibility of this project depends on many factors but especially on water usage patterns and ground water temperature
Whether or not the system will have enough energy if only one of the plugs on the hot water tank is turned on
Interference between the backup supply power with the renewable energy supply (the heat pump). Will this drop efficiency?
WOW Design Solution
A working model with a COP surpassing 6.0.
A working model that can widely used in different climate regions
Total overall cost to install in-home would amount to less than $2,500
Risk Reduction Strategy
Conduct a small water heating/cooling experiment and calculate experimental as well as theoretical Joules required to heat hot water and Joules received from cooling water.
Research into the types of sensors that are appropriate for our system and create a CAD model of the location and method of implementing the sensors into our system for effective data collection.
Intermediate Milestones