Energy Consumption for Hot Water: Calculate, Simulate, Optimize

Hot Water Energy Calculator from GF Piping SystemsThe discussion about energy efficiency and climate protection has rarely focused on the energy used for producing hot water in buildings. Today, more energy is often needed to produce hot water than the energy needed to produce space heating in a well-insulated building. It is time to target this area for energy efficiency as well.

The new online Hot Water Energy Calculator from GF Piping Systems makes it easy to calculate energy consumption. It is also possible to simulate the energy savings potential amount and the length of the amortization period—depending on the system optimization measures selected.

GF Piping Systems, together with scientists from the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, has developed an online calculator that can be used to easily and quickly calculate the amount of energy needed to provide hot water in buildings.

The relevant parameters, such as effective area, year of construction, tank capacity, water temperature, energy source, and details about the distribution system, can be entered in the tool.

The calculator quickly provides the data: energy consumption per year in kWh, CO2 emissions per year in pounds, and energy costs per year in US dollars. Plus, the online calculator identifies the amount of heat lost during the generation, distribution, and storage of hot water.

Next, possible optimization measures for increasing energy efficiency can be simulated. The online calculator instantly shows how much energy and money can be saved per year through these measures.

How Can Energy Consumption for Hot Water Be Reduced?

In principle, three optimization measures can be employed to reduce energy consumption—apart from reducing hot water consumption itself:

  • Repairing the piping insulation
  • Setting the safe, minimum operating temperature of the hot water circulation with the Hycleen Automation System and its data-controlled balancing valves
  • Modernizing the water heater and pump technology: the efficiency of hot water production and of the circulation pump usually depends on the age of the technology involved. Essentially, the newer the technology, the higher the efficiency.

What Can the Hycleen Automation System Achieve?

The Hycleen Automation System ensures the optimum operating point is set by continuously monitoring the installation’s condition. Consequently, a smaller quantity of hot water circulates at lower temperatures. Unnecessarily high temperatures and flow rates caused by a nonexistent, poorly adjusted, or unmaintained hydraulic balancing system are a thing of the past. Piping sections that suffer high thermal losses can be identified and upgraded to improve energy efficiency by repairing deficient insulation.

How Can Such a Complex Calculation Be Done So Easily?

The easy-to-use online Hot Water Energy Calculator is the result of extensive development work by GF Piping Systems and the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences. The calculations are based on the currently valid DIN standards and further assumptions, which are shown. A first reference project, during which the results were simulated before optimization, demonstrates that the results of the calculations are realistic. The data evaluation is being continuously refined and verified on real buildings. The tool provides valuable input for deciding when the investment to optimize a hot water system in a building will start to pay off.

Hot Water Installation: Smart and Digital with the Hycleen Automation System

The Hycleen Automation System from GF Piping Systems makes it easier to meet water safety standards in large-scale buildings and reduces energy consumption for producing hot water. It ensures stable water temperatures, minimizes stagnation, maintains the circulation valves, and logs all data. With a continuously balanced system, water temperatures can be lowered to safe, minimum temperatures without increasing the risk of Legionella.

The system is easy to install and commission. Intelligent valves with sensors and controllers are connected to the central control unit via a single cable for suppling power and transmitting data. The central control unit monitors the sensors, reports any abnormalities, and controls the system. It can also be operated from any location using a cloud-based platform, Hycleen Connect, or it can be integrated into the building management system.

Advantages of energy optimization with the Hycleen Automation System are:

  • Reduced energy consumption
  • Targeted compliance with current and future energy saving measures
  • Reduced water consumption with faster delivery times
  • Permanent temperature monitoring and control
  • Reduction of the flow by optimizing flow rates and regulating the capacity of the circulation pump
  • Simplify compliance with established water management programs

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Source: GF Piping Systems

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