How to Estimate the Size of Hot Water Accumulators for Residential Buildings?

[TSN79]

I'm looking for a way to estimate the size of hot water accumulators for residental buildings. I have made myself graphs describing the varying demand of hot water during a typical day, and then compared this to a graph describing the production rate of new hot water. This is according to a school book of mine, however I've not been able to get much sense out of it. If anybody knows of a good method I'll really appreciate it :)

 

[Artman]

Here is a page with some useful information and conversion tools. My company still works in standard and not metric terminology, so if I give you my methods, it may confuse you. The site is in metric units.

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/design-hot-water-system-d_92.html"

 

[ravenprp]

There are a few factors to consider when estimating the size of hot water accumulators for residential buildings. The first is the average daily hot water usage for the specific building, which can vary based on the number of occupants and their water consumption habits. The second factor is the temperature of the incoming water, as colder water will require more energy to heat up.

One method to estimate the size of hot water accumulators is to use the peak demand calculation. This involves multiplying the number of occupants by the average daily hot water usage per person, and then factoring in the temperature difference between the incoming water and the desired hot water temperature. This will give you an estimate of the maximum amount of hot water needed at any given time, which can then be used to determine the appropriate size of the accumulator.

Another approach is to use the graphs you have created to analyze the hot water demand and production rate. By identifying the peak demand periods and comparing them to the production rate, you can estimate the size of the accumulator needed to meet the demand without running out of hot water.

It is also important to consider the type of hot water system being used in the building, as this can impact the size of the accumulator needed. For example, a tankless hot water system may require a smaller accumulator compared to a traditional tank system.

Ultimately, the best method for estimating the size of hot water accumulators will depend on the specific details and needs of each residential building. It may be helpful to consult with a professional or do further research to determine the most accurate and efficient size for your particular situation.