How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?
December 7, 2009 by Tucker · 7 Comments
A tankless water heater (also called instantaneous, continuous flow, inline or on-demand heaters) instantly heat water as it flows through the device. Where the traditional tank-style water heater held 30-50 gallons of water in reserve, the tankless water heater doesn't retain any water internally except for what is around the heat exchanger coil.
Some systems have a tankless heater in a central location (much like the traditional tank style), but most have more than one unit located close to the point of use (POU). A tankless heater might be located in the attic above the bathroom, in the shower itself, or under the kitchen sink. Their relatively small size (about the size of a briefcase) allows a lot of flexibility as to their location.
Tankless units can be split into two categories: "full on /full off" or "modulated." As the name would suggest, a full-on/full-off unit doesn't have a variable output level; it's either on, or it isn't. Modulated tankless heaters base the heat output according to the flow of water running through the unit, modulating the gas valve and outlet so that the user receives the same temperature of water regardless of the flow.
Until recently, most tankless water heaters were electric, but newer models can run on natural gas or propane. Newer models can also deliver as much as 11 gallons of hot water per minute (such as the Noritz 841MC Series), which can meet any hot water needs. Everyone is familiar with the period of waiting for hot water from a conventional water heater, as the cold water in the lines must clear first before hot water comes through. With instantaneous heating from a Noritz tankless water heater, there's no wait for hot water (thereby saving on the water bill). Just one of many good reasons to buy a tankless water heater.
Noritz, in particular, has a dual flame design, with a second row of burners that burn the unburned gas that comes from the first row (all other competitors have a single-burner system). This means more efficient operation and fewer temperature fluctuations.
The heat exchanger of a water heater is perhaps its most critical element, as it is the component that is heated up to conduct heat to the water itself. After countless cycles of heating and cooling down, some heat exchangers can wind up with cracks or leaks. Noritz heat exchangers are made from copper piping that's 25%
thicker than most other brands. Commercial-grade components for residential applications; that's the Noritz design and quality advantage.
Making Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Viable
September 30, 2009 by Tucker · 10 Comments
Amidst growing concerns regarding the negative environmental impact automobiles have had on the planet, alternative and clean fuel technologies have become increasingly important.
In recent years, oil prices have skyrocketed and become relatively unstable. This has led auto manufacturers to develop hybrid gas-electric systems that have become extremely popular in the United States and abroad. Some innovative automakers are taking this idea a step further, researching zero emission clean fuel technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. Fuel cell vehicles combine high-pressure hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air in a chemical process that produces electricity. The electricity is then stored in the fuel cells and is used to power an electric motor. Only water and heat are emitted during this process and no harmful chemicals are released into the atmosphere. Due to its efficiency and cleanliness, hydrogen fuel cell technology has been heralded as the answer for zero-emission transportation.
While this may seem like a futuristic concept, Honda Motor Company is close to making it a reality with the limited release of the FCX Clarity in regions of southern California. Approximately 200 of these cars will be leased to consumers for three year terms at $600 per month, which includes all maintenance for the vehicle. Southern California was the ideal location for Honda’s test run of the FCX Clarity because the hydrogen fueling station infrastructure is already in place. The vehicle is expected to travel approximately 240 miles on one tank of hydrogen fuel. Initial studies have shown that the vehicle experiences much less wear and tear than the standard internal combustion gasoline engine. This will result in both low fuel and maintenance costs for consumers.
Unfortunately, neither the American nor international auto markets are prepared to embrace and support this clean technology. In order to make hydrogen fuel cell technology viable worldwide, further development of cost-effective parts, manufacturing processes, and fueling stations is required. The cost of materials and production of the fuel cells required to power the vehicles raises the retail price to a point that is out of reach for a majority of consumers. Also, public refueling stations are absurdly expensive to produce and maintain. Many of the current locations throughout California are maintained by educational or governmental organizations. Honda is currently working to develop a home fueling station that utilizes natural gas to create hydrogen right in the owner’s garage.
It is critical for this and other zero-emission technologies to become viable in the very near future in order to preserve our automobile culture.
E. B. Chuong writes articles about recreational vehicles, and outdoor activities. Isn’t it time you give Vemar helmets a closer look? Challenge yourself, and see why Vemar helmets are your best choice for top speed riding.