I read an article, which I cannot find now, that said that water heaters can be retrofitted to provide a more cost effective energy storage system when compared the electrochemical battery storage systems. Basically, excess renewable energy would be used to heat water in residential water heaters. But, I don’t understand how the energy is later extracted for use or if it was only for the purpose of providing hot water.
In: Engineering
Yes, exactly! Consider your water heater as a resourceful method of utilising surplus solar or wind energy. Your water is heated when clean energy is abundant. By heating water when there is an abundance of power, you avoid using the energy later on. It’s a wise decision that lowers demand during peak hours, balances the energy grid, and may even result in cost savings. Thus, while it doesn’t store energy like a battery does, it is a clever method of maximising the use of renewable resources. Well, that’s a neat solution.
Latest Answers