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Effective geyser management through intelligent hot water usage profiling
Author(s)
Catherine, Quinton Shaun
Date Issued
2009
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
This study presents an intelligent Hot Water Cylinder (HWC) usage profiling system to
provide peak demand side management and improve HWC efficiency in a typical
household. In this research HWCs will be referred to as geysers.
Research was done into various techniques available to improve energy efficiency in
South Africa, as well as the different sectors South Africa's electricity supplier, Eskom,
has highlighted where improvements in energy efficiency can be made. From this it was
decided to refine the scope of the project to the residential sector, and more importantly
geyser. A typical geysers operation and power consumption was researched and analysed
to determine where efficiency improvements could be made. A system was required that
would reduce the amount of energy consumed by the geyser, and provide the consumer
with hot water at the same time. Based on the research it was decided to design a profile
based geyser controller. The profiling system comprised of a PIC microcontroller, four
digital temperature sensors and a time keeper used to determine individually based hot
water usage profiles for the home. The profile was based on three parameters, namely the
frequency (repetitiveness) of hot water being drawn, the length of the draw period, and
the time of day when the water was drawn. Once the profile had reached a 90% accuracy,
the profile implemented itself. Based on the profile, the controller then regulated the
temperature of the geyser according to the demand of the household, without manual
intervention. If the household's routine were changed, the profile would adapt itself
accordingly. The controller is therefore fully intelligent and continues to refine the profile
on a day to day basis. By introducing the profile based controller, the monthly average
geyser temperature was reduced, reducing the amount of standing losses, which in torn
reduced the total amount of energy consumed by the geyser. The profile controller was
designed to aid in the reduction of the energy demand of geysers on the power grid. This
will benefit both the consumer as well as Eskom, as Eskom will have a reduced power
load, and the consumer will have a reduced electricity bill. The results of the experiments
are shown, as well as a comparison between calculated versus measured results, to justify
the accuracy of the calculations.
provide peak demand side management and improve HWC efficiency in a typical
household. In this research HWCs will be referred to as geysers.
Research was done into various techniques available to improve energy efficiency in
South Africa, as well as the different sectors South Africa's electricity supplier, Eskom,
has highlighted where improvements in energy efficiency can be made. From this it was
decided to refine the scope of the project to the residential sector, and more importantly
geyser. A typical geysers operation and power consumption was researched and analysed
to determine where efficiency improvements could be made. A system was required that
would reduce the amount of energy consumed by the geyser, and provide the consumer
with hot water at the same time. Based on the research it was decided to design a profile
based geyser controller. The profiling system comprised of a PIC microcontroller, four
digital temperature sensors and a time keeper used to determine individually based hot
water usage profiles for the home. The profile was based on three parameters, namely the
frequency (repetitiveness) of hot water being drawn, the length of the draw period, and
the time of day when the water was drawn. Once the profile had reached a 90% accuracy,
the profile implemented itself. Based on the profile, the controller then regulated the
temperature of the geyser according to the demand of the household, without manual
intervention. If the household's routine were changed, the profile would adapt itself
accordingly. The controller is therefore fully intelligent and continues to refine the profile
on a day to day basis. By introducing the profile based controller, the monthly average
geyser temperature was reduced, reducing the amount of standing losses, which in torn
reduced the total amount of energy consumed by the geyser. The profile controller was
designed to aid in the reduction of the energy demand of geysers on the power grid. This
will benefit both the consumer as well as Eskom, as Eskom will have a reduced power
load, and the consumer will have a reduced electricity bill. The results of the experiments
are shown, as well as a comparison between calculated versus measured results, to justify
the accuracy of the calculations.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009
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