Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikesolar
There are a few tanks out there with an electric element on the top for backup and a HX for solar on the bottom. I was wondering if the HP HX could be put in the bottom hole and the element in the top. It depends on the load but you would only need one tank to to run the system and the HX would see lower temps more of the time so it would be more efficient.
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Excellent point.
I've seen these, too.
The idea with these tanks is to encourage the natural temperature stratification (hotter at the top, cooler at the bottom), while at the same time maximizing the temperature differential for the lower temperature heat input (at the bottom). The hot water output from the tank is at the top, where temperature is highest.
I think it could improve an already efficiently functioning design.
Best,
-AC