Earth is comprised of over 70% water, yet it is one of our most scarce and protected resources throughout the world. Consumers carelessly act as though uncontaminated water will always be available. In reality, domestic hot water must be heated to a minimum of 140 degrees celsius to eliminate the risk of bacteria and parasites. Years from now will both water and heat be available? Maybe it will be accessible, but will it always be affordable? Home owners with wood stoves can modify the way they consume both. By adapting the connection between the domestic cold water and hot water tank, the energy used to heat the tank can be dramatically decreased.
Purpose:
The research will be analyzed from Campbell River BC, in a single family residential home. The home’s water system will be adapted by modifying the connection from the Domestic cold water and hot water tank. The purpose is to create an alternate heat distribution system, and to minimize the amount of energy the hot water tank is using. BC hydro is undergoing changes and has concluded an overall bill increase of 7.29% for Campbell River. This project would reduce the cost and give the neighborhood green incentive.
Goals and Objectives:
Modifying the process of water distribution will allow us to acknowledge the energy saved for heating the hot water tank. The data will be compared with previous utility bills to establish if the system is feasible. The re configuration is a green task, regardless of its outcome, it is a project the homeowner going through with.
Methodology and analytical Approach:
Throughout the period of the research, the circuit will be constructed and monitored. The ½” copper tube will attach to the domestic cold water and run through a jacket that covers the wood stove. This will heat the water, the tube will run through the crawl space and continue to run it into the hot water tank, therefore reducing the amount of work the hot water tank will do to head the water to 140°. The data will be recorded, every time a piece of wood is added to the fire the temperature. The time of day and outdoor temperature will also be recorded. This information will be compared with previous BC Hydro and utility bills to provide an answer. The data collected will let us know if the project is feasible or not.
Previous Studies:
This study will enable a bridge between green design and cost effective re-design. This experiment will prove if the re design is feasible, and will clarify that this is a step on the road to a greener neighborhood. Due to the increase in hydro, this project will require long lasting building materials and durable supplies. In order to do this we will “focus on the various impacts which the chain of causes and effects of the life cycle of a material has, in different scales and on short, middle, and long term.” (Maiellaro 2001, pg 208). The homeowner in Campbell River encourages not only completed design but presentation, as it is in a central location of their home. “Metal fireplaces are sold in a variety of sizes, colors and coatings. Some are made of porcelain enamel steel in a choice of colors.” (Weidhass, 1974, pg 218)
Plans for Designation of Work:
The research will be recorded and logged in a journal during the process of modifying water distribution. This information will be located on a blog and open to the general public to view data and contribute to research.
