Obviously, a storage cylinder or tank is the best option, for several reasons, if you have room for it.
1. The maximum current drawn is much less, leading to cheaper wiring and switching.
2. Flow rates are only dependant on the faucet size and pipe bore/pressure, 1.1/2 US gallons a minute @ 22kw is hopeless for running a bath.
3. Off-peak supply or heat-pump technogy can be used to reduce poco bills, dry the damp basement, ( or chill your wine store!)
We have a 15psi presurised 230v, 2.4kw x 200 litre (52 US Gallon) chauffe-eau, running off-peak, size 5ft high x 18" diameter, producing domestic HW at 60C (140F) which we find adequate. It's so well insulated it holds hot water for a week when turned off. Our Wash m/c and dishwasher take in cold water, and run at night on off-peak, with intergral heaters, using time-clocks plugged into the recepts..
Currently I'm researching a heat-pump chauffe eau for the renovation, but the cost is off-putting, it looks like they're about US $2500-3,000 here, with the dreaded 19.6% sales tax on top(!), which puts the capital payback to beyond the time when we'll both be drooling in a home for distressed gentlefolk! Anyone know of a reliable cheaper US model for export?
Alan
[This message has been edited by Alan Belson (edited 09-03-2005).]
