121
Lister Based Generators / Re: Cogen would this work?
« on: January 16, 2006, 04:24:48 AM »
While you could reduce the power consumption that way, you would also increase the recovery time for the water heater. If you have a household that uses a lot of hot water, the last person to take a (cold) shower might not appreciate your project's contribution.
On the other hand, if your water heater never gets behind the demand curve, having a lower power draw could make it within the reach of your 6/1.
Just don't expect the family to change its hot water usage, at least without grumbling about it.
My approach, which is probably overkill, is that I bought a Bock oil-fired water heater which will take the place of my electric. It will also make radiant hot water heat possible in my house. And (this is where it gets a little over the top) I will make at least a portion of my oil for that heater by pressing canola into vegetable oil with my oilseed press, then converting it to crude biodiesel. Water heaters aren't as finicky as engines about the quality of the fuel. Of course I'll also be able to power my generator with veggie oil too.
On the other hand, if your water heater never gets behind the demand curve, having a lower power draw could make it within the reach of your 6/1.
Just don't expect the family to change its hot water usage, at least without grumbling about it.
My approach, which is probably overkill, is that I bought a Bock oil-fired water heater which will take the place of my electric. It will also make radiant hot water heat possible in my house. And (this is where it gets a little over the top) I will make at least a portion of my oil for that heater by pressing canola into vegetable oil with my oilseed press, then converting it to crude biodiesel. Water heaters aren't as finicky as engines about the quality of the fuel. Of course I'll also be able to power my generator with veggie oil too.
Hi All,
I have a (probably really dumb ) question:
(I would like to have a fairly high draw electric load to apply, and for the sake of "Domestic Tranquility" , I want to find a way for my little "project" to contribute to the "house".)
Can a regular 40 gal. hot water heater be "re-wired" so as to reduce the watt load .
Mostly, they seem to be 4500w @240v which is way too much for a 6/1.
What if I disconnect the upper element, and jumper the lower thermostat and feed just one side (the lower element) controlled by the upper thermostat . Will this scenario cut the kw draw in half ( a more manageable 2250w load).
Kevin