EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Dump the plumbing and use PV to heat water?

ELGo · 07-17-13, 01:52 PM

AC,

Sounds like you think I built that device -- I wish!
Just a nifty idea I found on the web.

The commercial heat recovery (HR) units that do measure recovery report 50-60% -- that was the basis for my comment. I don't know if the DIY version does as well. I imagine the flows should be counter-current to maximize heat recovery. I'm planning to read up on flow physics a bit to see if I can come to any reasonable conclusions how to match unit geometry with flow rates. I do know that the water has to spread itself out as a film on the tube to optimize heat transfer. This is the reason the HR units are typically installed vertically.

Tempting to try, isn't it ?

I don't know how much the parts would cost, but I'll be very surprised if it reaches $100.

07-17-13, 01:52 PM	#50
ELGo Helper EcoRenovator Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 66 Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	AC, Sounds like you think I built that device -- I wish! Just a nifty idea I found on the web. The commercial heat recovery (HR) units that do measure recovery report 50-60% -- that was the basis for my comment. I don't know if the DIY version does as well. I imagine the flows should be counter-current to maximize heat recovery. I'm planning to read up on flow physics a bit to see if I can come to any reasonable conclusions how to match unit geometry with flow rates. I do know that the water has to spread itself out as a film on the tube to optimize heat transfer. This is the reason the HR units are typically installed vertically. Tempting to try, isn't it ? I don't know how much the parts would cost, but I'll be very surprised if it reaches $100.