EPRI

Electric Power

Research Institute

Leadership m SCience and Technology FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Deborah Clark, EPRI, (415) 855-2169 or

(415) 855- 2413

David Shuford, Crispaire, (404) 458-6643

NEW WATER HEATER OFFERS MAJOR ADVANCE

IN COSTI ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND PERFORMANCE

Palo Alto, Calif. - Oct. 18, 1993 -- The Electric Power Research Institute

(EPRI) and Crispaire Corp., Atlanta, have developed an advanced heat pump

water heater (HPWH) that is more efficient, less costly, and easier to install than

conventional models. The unit, designed for residential and small commercial

applications, is now available from Crispaire under the E-Tech brand name.

The new unit can reduce customers' water heating bills by as much as onehalf to two-thirds and can heat 200-300 gallons of water per day -- far more than

the average 64.3 gallons used by residential customers.

This substantial gain in efficiency is achieved because heat pump water

heaters use simple refrigeration technology (vapor compression) to heat water by

absorbing heat from the air. Conventional fossil-fired or electric resistance water

heaters employ a gas flame or hot electric element which do not use energy as

effectively.

In addition, heat pump water heaters can help utilities reduce peak

electrical demand, and can provide free auxiliary cooling and dehumidification.

''The EPRI/E-Tech heat pump water heater represents a major

advancement on all fronts," says Dr. Carl Hiller, EPRI's project manager in

charge of new product's development. ''This system can be used with any

(more)

Headquarters: 3412 Hillview Avenue, Post Office Box 10412, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. (415) 855·2000. Telex: 82977 EPAI UF • Fax: (415) 855-2954

Washington Office: 1019 Nineteenth Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036, USA • (202) 872-9222 • Fax: (202) 296-5436

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

EPRI 

Electric Power 

Research Institute 

Leadership In SCience and Technology FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Deborah Clark, EPRI, (415) 855-2169 or 

(415) 855- 2413 

David Shuford, Crispaire, (404) 458-6643 

NEW WATER HEATER OFFERS MAJOR ADVANCE 

IN COSTI ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND PERFORMANCE 

Palo Alto, Calif. - Oct. 18, 1993 -- The Electric Power Research Institute 

(EPRI) and Crispaire Corp., Atlanta, have developed an advanced heat pump 

water heater (HPWH) that is more efficient, less costly, and easier to install than 

conventional models. The unit, designed for residential and small commercial 

applications, is now available from Crispaire under the E-Tech brand name. 

The new unit can reduce customers' water heating bills by as much as onehalf to two-thirds and can heat 200-300 gallons of water per day -- far more than 

the average 64.3 gallons used by residential customers. 

This substantial gain in efficiency is achieved because heat pump water 

heaters use simple refrigeration technology (vapor compression) to heat water by 

absorbing heat from the air. Conventional fossil-fired or electric resistance water 

heaters employ a gas flame or hot electric element which do not use energy as 

effectively. 

In addition, heat pump water heaters can help utilities reduce peak 

electrical demand, and can provide free auxiliary cooling and dehumidification. 

''The EPRI/E-Tech heat pump water heater represents a major 

advancement on all fronts," says Dr. Carl Hiller, EPRI's project manager in 

charge of new product's development. ''This system can be used with any 

(more) 

Headquarters: 3412 Hillview Avenue, Post Office Box 10412, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. (415) 855-2000. Telex: 82977 EPAI UF • Fax: (415) 855·2954 

Washington Office: 1019 Nineteenth Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036, USA • (202) 872·9222 • Fax: (202) 296·5436 
·

,

NEW HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER

2-2-2-2

electric water heater, and significant cost reductions and flexibility have been

achieved by reducing the size and weight of the unit."

The E-Tech HPWH is about one-third the size of the next smallest HPWH,

and about half the weight.

"This product has undergone extensive laboratory and field testing under

extreme conditions, and is expected to perform with refrigerator-like reliability,"

says David Shuford, vice president of sales and marketing at Crispaire.

Flexibility is enhanced by a ductable fan that allows the unit to take

advantage of waste heat from laundry rooms, kitchens, or attics to provide

additional efficiency in heating water because of the higher temperature of these

heat sources. The unit can also provide ventilation.

Crispaire Corporation is the country's largest manufacturer of heat pump

water heaters. For additional information on the E-tech HPWH, contact David

Shuford, Crispaire, at (404) 458-6643. Cost is projected to be about $395 once in

volume production. Until volume reaches mass-production levels, the price will

be somewhat higher. The initial market introduction price is $595.

EPRI, founded in 1972, manages technical research and development

programs for the U.S. electric utility industry to improve power production,

distribution, and use. Some 700 utilities are members of the Institute.

# # ,

Color slides for media use are available by contacting Deborah Clark, EPRI, (415)

855-2169 or (415) 855-2733.

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

· , 

NEW HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER 

2-2-2-2 

electric water heater, and significant cost reductions and flexibility have been 

achieved by reducing the size and weight of the unit." 

The E-Tech HPWH is about one-third the size of the next smallest HPWH, 

and about half the weight. 

"This product has undergone extensive laboratory and field testing under 

extreme conditions, and is expected to perform with refrigerator-like reliability," 

says David Shuford, vice president of sales and marketing at Crispaire. 

Flexibility is enhanced by a ductable fan that allows the unit to take 

advantage of waste heat from laundry rooms, kitchens, or attics to provide 

additional efficiency in heating water because of the higher temperature of these 

heat sources. The unit can also provide ventilation. 

Crispaire Corporation is the country's largest manufacturer of heat pump 

water heaters. For additional information on the E-tech HPWH, contact David 

Shuford, Crispaire, at (404) 458-6643. Cost is projected to be about $395 once in 

volume production. Until volume reaches mass-production levels, the price will 

be somewhat higher. The initial market introduction price is $595. 

EPRI, founded in 1972, manages technical research and development 

programs for the U.S. electric utility industry to improve power production, 

distribution, and use. Some 700 utilities are members of the Institute. 

# # # 

Color slides for media use are available by contacting Deborah Clark, EPRI, (415) 

855-2169 or (415) 855-2733. 
,

,

FEATURES OF THE NEW EPRIIE-TECH HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER

1. Small size (10 x 12 x 15 in.), about one-third the size of the smallest

existing HPWH.

2. Light weight (45 lb compared with 82 lb for smallest existing HPWH).

3. Light and rugged enough to ship by common carrier such as UPS.

4. Much lower first cost than existing HPWHs (initially $595, approx.

$395 in quantity production).

5. Much easier to install than existing HPWHs, and can be used with any

electric water heater.

6. More than adequate heating capability (200-300 gallday, nominally

10 gal/hour).

7. Higher efficiency than existing HPWHs (energy factor 2.6 compared to

1.5-2.0 for existing units, 0.76-0.97 for resistance water heaters, and 0.50-

0.72 for fossil-fired water heaters).

8. Extremely high, "refrigerator-like" reliability.

9. Diversified electrical load never more than about 500 watts.

10. Ductable air flow significantly enhances application flexibility (e.g.,

suitable for utility closet installations, allows better use or disposal

of cooling output, allows heat source enhancementsuch as use of attic

air, allows use for ventilation).

11. Nominal cooling output 4000 Btu/h, with significant dehumidification

ability.

12. Expanded source-air operating temperature range (35-100oF vs. 45-90°F

for most existing units). Automatic switch-back to resistance elements

below 35°F air temperatures.

13. Automatic passive defrost capability allows use of outside air as heat

source in many areas if desired.

14. Maximum water temperature 135°F.

15. Available initially in 230 V, eventually also in 110 V.

, 

, EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

FEATURES OF THE NEW EPRIIE-TECH HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER 

1. Small size (10 x 12 x 15 in.), about one-third the size of the smallest 

existing HPWH. 

2. Light weight (45 lb compared with 82 lb for smallest existing HPWH). 

3. Light and rugged enough to ship by common carrier such as UPS. 

4. Much lower first cost than existing HPWHs (initially $595, approx. 

$395 in quantity production). 

5. Much easier to install than existing HPWHs, and can be used with any 

electric water heater. 

6. More than adequate heating capability (200-300 gall day, nominally 

10 gal/hour). 

7. Higher efficiency than existing HPWHs (energy factor 2.6 compared to 

1.5-2.0 for existing units, 0.76-0.97 for resistance water heaters, and 0.50-

0.72 for fossil-fired water heaters). 

8. Extremely high, "refrigerator-like" reliability. 

9. Diversified electrical load never more than about 500 watts. 

10. Ductable air flow significantly enhances application flexibility (e.g., 

suitable for utility closet installations, allows better use or disposal 

of cooling output, allows heat source enhancement such as use of attic 

air, allows use for ventilation). 

11. Nominal cooling output 4000 Btu/h, with significant dehumidification 

ability. 

12. Expanded source-air operating temperature range (35-100oF vs. 45-90°F 

for most existing units). Automatic switch-back to resistance elements 

below 35°F air temperatures. 

13. Automatic passive defrost capability allows use of outside air as heat 

source in many areas if desired. 

14. Maximum water temperature 135°F. 

15. Available initially in 230 V, eventually also in 110 V. 
EPRI

Fall 1993

Electric \!\ater HeatingNews

Vol. 6, No.3

EPRI/E-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater Sets New Standards for

Efficiency, Cost, and Performance

The new HPWH can be connected to a conventional waleI' hl'(lI,'" III l/il"'"

ways: by means ofa "T" in the tank's cold water inlel lil/I' (1,'li J, hy" i'II(/X;fI!

drain fitting (middle), or by special fittings that allow ('(111I1'//1'1 ((lI/I",(u/1

mounting (right),

EPRI and Crispaire Corp., the

country's largest manufacturer of

heat pump water heaters (HPWHs)

under the E-Tech brand name, have

developed an innovative residential!

small commercial HPWH that is more

eflicient, less costly, and easier to

install than conventional models and

has many other enhanced features

(see sidebar, page 2). The new unit

makes its market debut in October.

HPWHs are more efficient than

conventional electric or fossil-fired

water heaters, making them attractive to customers for reducing operating costs. Moreover, their excellent

electrical demand characteristics

make them a potent demand-side

management technology for utilitiesa win-win situation. To date, however,

HPWHs have seen limited use because they have higher first costs

than conventional water heating systems, and they are an unfamiliar

technology to installers, potential

users, and utilities. The EPRIIE-Tech

unit was developed to overcome most

barriers to widespread acceptance.

"The EPRIIE-Tech heat pump

water heater represents a major

advancement on all fronts," says Dr.

Carl Hiller, EPRI's project manager

in charge ofthe new product's

development.

For example, very significant firstcost reductions and increases in applications flexibility and ease have

been achieved by redll('in~: till' .... iz,',

weight, and heating cnpncily of 1.111'

unit. Existing HPWHH (inde/'d, 1111

conventional water IWIll.,·rH) IIIIV,'

heating rates subHl.Hnl.illlly IlIrw'I'

than they need t.o be l.o Hl'rV" n'l'dd"II'

tial and small comnH'ITillljonrll'l,

''With the aid ofWATSIM, ";1 'HI'"

detailed water heating HilllllJlltion

(CUI/IIIII/.,,, '/1/ /),2)

EPRI Heat Pump Water Heater Applications Research Field Test

EPRI, in conjunction with participating member utilities, is initiating

an extensive, well-instrumented field

test of heat pump water heaters

(HPWHs) and resistance water heaters in a large number of different

applications configurations, The purpose ofthe test is to identify, f()I' various geographic locations, uses and

applications techniques that enhance

overall performance and economics of'

electl'ic water heating in general and

HPWHs in particular.

Since the new EPRIIE-Tech

HPWH has expanded features and

capabilities not found in most other

HPWHs (see article above), it has

been chosen as the HPWH to be used

in the test. Up to 100 HPWHs will be

tested, the exact number depending

on the level of utility participation.

Although the new EPRIIE-Tech unit

has been selected for the test, many

of' the conclusions should be equally

valid for other makes 111111 IIlod,·IM of

HPWHs.

Because the teHt Hil ..,.. wtll P\ll'iOlli·

cally switch back to slr.. il>:111 1'\'1l1';'

tance water healing fiJI' !'OlllPII 1'1 fiIII 1

and calibration purpo/<I'H, lillII'll Ill/i,I"

mation will also he providl'd 111>0111

innovative applicnLiollM II lid 1'01)11'01,,,'

resistance watfl!' Iwnlt'n,

Ultimately, illfill'lllllt lOll frolll !.lit'

test will be used to prodll!'l' ,mlll'll\'IHI

("(JIlI/nll/'1! 0/1 I), -Ii

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

EPRI 

Electric Witer Heating News 

Fall 1993 Vol. 6, No.3 

EPRI/E-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater Sets New Standards for 

Efficiency, Cost, and Performance 

EPRI and Crispaire Corp., the 

country's largest manufacturer of 

heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) 

under the E-Tech brand name, have 

developed an innovative residential! 

small commercial HPWH that is more 

efficient, less costly, and easier to 

install than conventional models and 

has many other enhanced features 

(see sidebar, page 2). The new unit 

makes its market debut in October. 

HPWHs are more efficient than 

conventional electric or fossil-fired 

water heaters, making them attractive to customers for reducing operating costs. Moreover, their excellent 

electrical demand characteristics 

make them a potent demand-side 

management technology for utilitiesa win-win situation. To date, however, 

HPWHs have seen limited use because they have higher first costs 

than conventional water heating systems, and they are an unfamiliar 

technology to installers, potential 

users, and utilities. The EPRIIE-Tech 

unit was developed to overcome most 

barriers to widespread acceptance. 

The new HPWH can be connected to a conventional waler/H'o/,',. 111 (111"1 '" 

ways: by means of a "T" in the tank's cold water inlet lillI' (1.'li J, hy {f "llfIX;,,1 

drain fitting (middle), or by special fittings that allow COlli/Iud (ulIl .. IIJ/I 

mounting (right). 

"The EPRIIE-Tech heat pump 

water heater represents a major 

advancement on all fronts," says Dr. 

Carl Hiller, EPRI's project manager 

in charge ofthe new product's 

development. 

For example, very significant firstcost reductions and increases in applications flexibility and ease have 

been achieved by redll(' ill~( tllC' Hiz. ', 

weight, and heating cnpllcity 01' 1111 ' 

unit. Existing HPWHH (indl'l'd, 1111 

conventional water IWIlI./·I'H ) IIIIVI' 

heating rates subHtnnt.illily III rw'r 

than they need to hI' 1.0 H"I'V,' r('!'I id"II " 

tial and small comnH'ITinllonri)4 , 

''With the aid ofWATSIM , I'HI' " 

detailed water hea ti ng Hi lllll) Utillll 

(cIlI/ IIII/I,'" 11 11 II, :.n 

EPRI Heat Pump Water Heater Applications Research Field Test 

EPRI, in conjunction with participating member utilities, is initiating 

an extensive, well-instrumented fi eld 

test of heat pump water heaters 

(HPWHs) and resistance water heaters in a large number of different 

applications configurations. The purpose of the test is to identify, f()!· va rious geographic locations, uses and 

applications techniques that enhance 

overall performance and economics of 

electric water heating in general a nd 

HPWHs in particular. 

Since the new EPRIIE-Tech 

HPWH has expanded features and 

capabilities not found in most other 

HPWHs (see article above), it has 

been chosen as the HPWH to be used 

in the test. Up to 100 HPWHs will be 

tested, the exact number depending 

on the level of utility participation. 

Although the new EPRIIE-Tech unit 

has been selected for the test, many 

of" the conclusions should be equally 

valid for other makes IIl1d IIl0lil'll'! or 

HPWHs. 

Because the tesL Hitl'tl wtll PI ' I'IIII II ' 

cally switch back 1.0 sll"ili l<: llt l 'l'ti l »-

tance water heaLing fiJI ' \,1JI 1I1 )itf'lfi lill 

and calibration PUI'POHI')-I , 11 1111'11 Ill/ill '-

mation will also 1)(' providpd /lhmll 

innovative applicill.iollK ,",,1 ('onll'llill!' 

resistance water IWlIt"n<, 

Ultimately, infill'lllnt illil ('mIll IIII' 

test will be used t.o pmdll!'p 11ll11l'!I"IHI 

("(jIlI/fllIl·d 1111 I), ,I I 
Features of the New EPRVE-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater

1. Small size (10 x 12 x 15 in.), 9. Diversified electrical load never

about one-third the size ofthe more than about 500 W, even with

smallest existing HPWH. the quick recovery option installed.

2. Light weight (451b compared 10. Ductable airflow significantly enwith 82lb for smallest existing hances applit;ationflexibility(e<g.,

HPwm.suitabl~for utilityclosetinstalla3. Light and rugged enough to ship tions, allows 6etteinseor'gisposal

by common carrier such as UPS. of cooling output, allows h~at·source

4. Much lower first cost than exist- enhancement such as use of attic

ing HPWHs (approximately $395 air, allows use for ventilation).

when in quantity production 11. Nominall;oo~,'()!J.tput4()Q9 ,'"

versus $75(44000 for existmg Btu/h, With sigllificantdelll1rnidimodels, most having lessercapa~ fication~bllity.. •'" , •••...• <\

bilities). 12. Expanded source-air operating

5. Much easier to installthan exist- teInpe7f~eran.ge(35--~Q()~JY

ing HPWHs,· and cfiIl l>e-used v~rsu~'~2?9W)F'forIl1ost~~~t~~

withanyelectR~~~~rh.ell~r, llIrits)'i~!J.toInati<:s\Vit()lJ.~~a.~ltt6 6. More than adequa1e·heating resist~~faele'll1ents below 35?F'

capability (200-300gal/day, air tem~rature§.,..• , ..•,'.'.

nomirially 10 gaWour):., 13. Automatic passiyedefrostcapabil7. Higher efficiency thariexisting ity allows useofoutsideror as heat

remote-type HPWHs(estimated source in many areasifdesired.

energy factor 2.4 compared with 14. Maximum water temperatlrre

1.5--2.0 for existing units and 135°F.

0.76-0.97 for resistance water 15. Available initiallyin 230 V, eventuheaters). ally also in 110 V.

8. Extremely high, "refrigeratorlike" reliability.

(EPRIIE-TECH continued from p. 1)

model, we were able to determine

minimum necessary HPWH size and

required control strategies to avoid

hot water runouts while using smaller heating rates," says Dr. Hiller. The

new unit can heat 200-300 gal of

water per day, far more than the

average 64.3 gal used by residential

customers.

The new HPWH can be connected

to a conventional electric water heater tank in three ways. The basic

mounting configuration is to connect

the HPWH between a "T" in the cold

water inlet line to the tank and the

tank's drain valve. Water heating installations can be made "heat pump

ready" by adding this "T" when the

tank is installed. The second mounting configuration uses an optional

coaxial tank drain fitting that allows

addition ofthe HPWH to existing

tanks with no piping modifications.

The third mounting configuration

uses special optional fittings connected to the tank hot and cold water

ports, allowing compact tank-top

mounting. The unit is small enough

(10 x 12 x 15 in.) to fit on half ofthe

top of a typical water heater tank.

''The factory-direct sales price for

the base unit is expected to be approximately $395 when sales reach

true mass-production levels;" says

David Shuford, vice president ofsales

and marketing for Crispaire Corp.

Even lower prices would be available

for bulk purchases. Until the sales

volume reaches mass-production levels, the sales price will be somewhat

higher. Says Shuford, "The initial

market introduction price for the base

unit in single factory-direct sales is

$595." The optional coaxial drain connection kit sells for $18. The optional

tank-top mount kit sells for $36. Also

available for use on smaller tanks, or

with large hot water loads, is an

optional "quick recovery" kit that

enables the tank's upper resistance

element ifthe tank is nearly out of

hot water. The quick recovery kit is

recommended on 50-gal or smaller

tanks serving large loads, such as

large families or families having one

or more "voluminous" hot water users.

Price for the quick recovery kit is

expected to be about $40.

2

The EPRIIE-Tech unit's small size,

light weight, and readily accessible

plumbing and electrical connections

make it much easier to install than

conventional HPWHs.

Rugged design combined with

small size and light weight allow the

unit to be shipped by low-cost common carrier such as UPS, thus allowing factory-direct sales in areas

where dealers do not yet exist.

The unit offers very attractive

paybacks compared with resistance

water heaters (typically a 2- to 6-year

simple payback). Operating costs are

comparable to, and in some cases

substantially less than, fossil-fired

water heating alternatives, even

without taking credit for the free air

conditioning and dehumidification

provided-and without taking advantage of heat source enhancement

or ventilation opportunities. Ifgiven

a preferential electric rate similar to

off-peak water heater operation (the

HPWH can also be operated offpeak), operating costs will be lower

than conventional fossil water heating alternatives in almost all cases.

The unit's ductable fan allows

substantially enhanced applications

opportunities that can dramatically

improve the overall economics ofthe

installation. For example, the unit can

be used for tight building ventilation.

The unit can also take advantage of

waste heat opportunities, such as

from laundry rooms and kitchens, or

use attic air as the heat source. The

unit's ductability also allows better

use or disposal ofthe cooling and dehumidification by-product and allows

installation in utility closets.

The expanded air-source operating

temperature range ofthe new HPWH

(35-100°F versus 45-90°F for existing

HPWHs), combined with its ductability, and automatic switch-over to resistance heat below 35°F air temperature, allow the unit to use outside air

as the heat source in many areas. This

feature also provides passive defrost

capability, To prevent freezing, the

HPWH itselfshould be located where

temperatures never drop below 45°F.

Of particular interest to electric

utilities are the unit's diversified electrical demand characteristics. The

EPRIIE-Tech HPWH offers diversified

(continued on p, 3)

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

(EPRIIE-TECH continued from p. 1) 

model, we were able to determine 

minimum necessary HPWH size and 

required control strategies to avoid 

hot water nmouts while using smaller heating rates," says Dr. Hiller. The 

new unit can heat 200-300 gal of 

water per day, far more than the 

average 64.3 gal used by residential 

customers. 

The new HPWH can be connected 

to a conventional electric water heater tank in three ways. The basic 

mounting configuration is to connect 

the HPWH between a "T" in the cold 

water inlet line to the tank and the 

tank's drain valve. Water heating installations can be made "heat pump 

ready" by adding this "T" when the 

tank is installed. The second mounting configuration uses an optional 

coaxial tank drain fitting that allows 

addition of the HPWH to existing 

tanks with no piping modifications. 

The third mounting configuration 

uses special optional fittings connected to the tank hot and cold water 

ports, allowing compact tank-top 

mounting. The unit is small enough 

(10 x 12 x 15 in.) to fit on half of the 

top of a typical water heater tank. 

''The factory-direct sales price for 

the base unit is expected to be approximately $395 when sales reach 

true mass-production levels;" says 

David Shuford, vice president of sales 

and marketing for Crispaire Corp. 

Even lower prices would be available 

for bulk purchases. Until the sales 

volume reaches mass-production levels, the sales price will be somewhat 

higher. Says Shuford, "The initial 

market introduction price for the base 

unit in single factory-direct sales is 

$595." The optional coaxial drain connection kit sells for $18. The optional 

tank-top mount kit sells for $36. Also 

available for use on smaller tanks, or 

with large hot water loads, is an 

optional "quick recovery" kit that 

enables the tank's upper resistance 

element if the tank is nearly out of 

hot water. The quick recovery kit is 

recommended on 50-gal or smaller 

tanks serving large loads, such as 

large families or families having one 

or more "voluminous" hot water users. 

Price for the quick recovery kit is 

expected to be about $40. 

2 

Features of the New EPRIIE-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater 

1. Small size (10 x 12 x 15 in.), 

about one-third the size of the 

smallest existing HPWH. 

2. Light weight (45 lb compared 

with 82 lb for smallest existing 

HPWH). 

3. Light and rugged enough to ship 

by common carrier such as UPS. 

4. Much lower first cost than exist~ 

ing HPWHs (approximately $395 

when in quantity production 

versus $750-$4000 for existing 

models, most having lessercapabilities). 

5; Much easier to instcdlt~an existing HPWHs,. andc~~e}lsed 

withanyelectric~~ter lle~~r, 

6: More than adequate heatirig .. 

capability (200-30dgallday; 

nominally 10 gallliour). 

7. Higher efficiency thariexisting 

remote-type HPWHs (estimated 

energy factor 2.4 compared with 

1.5-2.0 for existing units and 

0.76-0.97 for resistance water 

heaters). 

8. Extremely high, "refrigeratorlike" reliability. 

The EPRIIE-Tech unit's small size, 

light weight, and readily accessible 

plumbing and electrical connections 

make it much easier to install than 

conventional HPWHs. 

Rugged design combined with 

small size and light weight allow the 

unit to be shipped by low-cost common carrier such as UPS, thus allowing factory-direct sales in areas 

where dealers do not yet exist. 

The unit offers very attractive 

paybacks compared with resistance 

water heaters (typically a 2- to 6-year 

simple payback). Operating costs are 

comparable to, and in some cases 

substantially less than, fossil-fired 

water heating alternatives, even 

without taking credit for the free air 

conditioning and dehumidification 

provided-and without taking advantage of heat source enhancement 

or ventilation opportunities. If given 

a preferential electric rate similar to 

off-peak water heater operation (the 

HPWH can also be operated offpeak), operating costs will be lower 

than conventional fossil water heating alternatives in almost all cases. 

The unit's ductable fan allows 

9. Diversified electrical load never 

more than about 500 W, even with 

the quick recovery option installed. 

10. Ductable airflow significantly enhances applitation flexibility (e.g., 

suitable for utility closet installations, allows 1iettehise or ~sposal 

of cooling output, allows h~a:t source 

enhancement such as use 'of attic 

air, allows use forventilation). 

11. Nominal ~ooling ().Htput4QQP 

Btulh, With sigi"llficant deiiWnidification .. ~bility. ; . 

12. Expanded source-air operating 

tempe ~turerange (35-1,99'lF .. 

versu~ §099"F'forIllost~~~t~llg units}, ·. Automaticswitch~back.to 

resi~t~be elelIlents bel()'\lV' 356F 

air temperatures. . ....< . 

13. Automatic pa:ssivedefrost apability allows use of outsideafr ~s heat 

source in many areas if desired. 

14. Maximum water temperatUre 

135°F. 

15. Available initially in 230 V, eventually also in 110 V. 

substantially enhanced applications 

opportunities that can dramatically 

improve the overall economics of the 

installation. For example, the unit can 

be used for tight building ventilation. 

The unit can also take advantage of 

waste heat opportunities, such as 

from laundry rooms and kitchens, or 

use attic air as the heat source. The 

unit's ductability also allows better 

use or disposal of the cooling and dehumidification by-product and allows 

installation in utility closets. 

The expanded air-source operating 

temperature range of the new HPWH 

(35-100°F versus 45-90°F for existing 

HPWHs), combined with its ductability, and automatic switch-over to resistance heat below 35°F air temperature, allow the unit to use outside air 

as the heat source in many areas. This 

feature also provides passive defrost 

capability. To prevent freezing, the 

HPWH itself should be located where 

temperatures never drop below 45°F. 

Of particular interest to electric 

utilities are the unit's diversified electrical demand characteristics. The 

EPRIIE-Tech HPWH offers diversified 

(continued on p. 3) 
(EPRI/E-TECH continued {rom p.;!) Utilities Put WATSIM to Work

electrical demand that never exceeds

500 W, and it automatically shills 11

significant amount of energy consumption to off-peak hours because of'

its smaller heating capacity. EPRI's

WATSIM water heating simulation

model can be used to analyze necessary tank sizing, desirable control

strategies, and resultant energy consumption and electrical demand characteristics under any water draw, air

temperature, and water temperature

scenario.

Under development for four years,

the new unit has undergone extensive

torture testing under extreme operating conditions, and it is expected to

exhibit refrigerator-like reliability.

Additionally, a number of units have

been undergoing functional field testing for more than a year and have

had no failures and required virtually

no maintenance other than occasional

filter cleanings.

In the unlikely event that operational problems do occur, a unit can

easily be shipped back to the factory

or an authorized center for repair.

The water heater can be operated as a

conventional resistance water heater

while the HPWH is being repaired.

For technical infonnation contact

Glen Robinson; for sales infonnation

contact David Shuford, Crispaire

Corp., 3570 American Drive, Atlanta,

GA 30341, (404) 458-6643, or write

Dr. Carl Hiller at EPRI.

WATSIM Training Offered in

EPRI Seminars

Training on WATSIM is an integral part of a traveling seminar on

water heating electrotechnologies

being offered by the Institute.

In addition to an intensive, handson WATSIM training session, the

seminar will include descriptions of

more than 20 different water heating

electrotechnologies and their limitations and benefits. Hardware exhibits will allow participants to examine

equipment and design features.

The seminars are available upon

request to EPRI member utilities on

a travel and shipping reimbursement

basis. For more information write to

Dr. Carl Hiller at EPRI.

More and more electric utilities

;HTOSS the country are using WATSIM,

EI'RJ's new water heating simulation

model, !.o analyze and compare alternative water heating technologies and

con!.rol :;trategies.

WATSIM is a personal computer

code that models virtually every water heating operating strategy and

configuration of potential interest to

electric utilities. The software incorporates detailed water tank and heat

input device models. It determines

whether hot water runouts occur under any desired water draw scenario,

giving users an effective tool for selecting adequate system heat in-puts,

tank sizes, and control strategies.

WATSIM also provides accurate energy and electrical demand analyses

and is the only software available

that determines diversified electrical

demand as well as single-customer

demand.

"Electric utilities and their customers are very interested in the energy

consumption, electrical demand, and

operating cost characteristics of alternative electric water heating technologies and control strategies," says Dr.

Carl Hiller, EPRI project manager in

charge ofthe code's development.

''Until recently this infonnation could

be obtained only through extensive

field tests. With WATSIM it is now

possible to rapidly analyze and compare many alternatives."

That's exactly what Alabama

Power Co. (APCo) has been doing.

APCo has considerable experience

with WATSIM, having served as a

beta test site for a prerelease version

ofthe software. The utility estimates

it saved initially some $6 million by

usingWATSIM, instead offield tests,

to examine some 100 water heating

configurations and gauge their impact on the company's load factor and

sales revenue (see Electric Water

Heating News, spring 1993, p. 1).

APCo continues to use the code for

more analyses.

The utility recently used WATSIM

to help a building contractor properly

.size off-peak water heating systems

for a residential subdivision. Using

infonnation provided by WATSIM,

APCo staff were able to show the

builder that his propo~NI Wflll'I' 111'111-

ing scheme would (:lIIIMt' ,111 IlIllltTt.p!.-

able number of'ho!. wnl~'I' I'IlnOlllfi,

They then used WATSIM 01111'11110

suggest modificlltions thlll would

make the system more l\('OIIOllli(:1I1

and energy-eflicient IIIHI Illi"llIli'l.p

the chances ofhol waleI' 1'\.1110111....

APCo has also used WATS1M 10

analyze time-of-use ra\.(·s li.I' I'Pl{ldntory purposes.

"WATSIM is valuahll' hp('IIIISI' it

provides infonnation-lilH' pn·diding

ronouts-that would be dillindt to

obtain in any other way." HnyH

Wilbur Johnson, senior engilH't'r 0"

technical services at AP(~I'.

Another WATSIM UHer. Tom Vnn

Liew ofIdaho Power, is \lsil1g the

software to model the perfi)J'lI1l1nn' 0"

advanced water heating \'('('llIlologies-such as desuperheater water

heaters, heat pump water hl'·II\'l'rs.

and multifunction full-coll<h'nsing

systems-under the weather conditions in Idaho Power's servicl' lIl'('H.

With WATSIM, Van Liew expeds to

develop load profiles and cost comparisons for alternative technologies

in support ofIdaho Power's demandside management objectives.

More than 60 utilities have received WATSIM to date. Utilily personnel interested in using WATSIM

are encouraged to enroll in EPRl's

water heating electrotechnologies

seminar (see sidebar at left).

Electric Water Heating News is published

quarterly by the Electric Power Research

Institute. Subscriptions are free to EPRI

members and can be obtained by contactinJ.:

Dr. Carl C. Hiller, editor. Electric Watcr

Heating News. EPRI. P.O. Box 10412, Palo

Alto. CA 94303

Editor: Dr. Carl C. Hiller, EPRI

Editorial Board members: Denver Collins,

State Industries; Karl Johnson, EPR!;

Arvo Lannus, EPRI; Preston Roberts,

Pennsylvania Power and Light Company;

Glen Robinson, Crispaire Corporation;

Charlie Wall, Georgia Power Company

© 1993, Electric Power Research Institute,

Inc. (EPRl)

Electric Power Research Institute and EPRI

are registered service marks of the Electric

Power Research Institute, Inc.

@ Printed with soya inks on recycled paper

(50% recycled fiber, including 100/( postconsumer waste) in the United States of America.

3

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

(EPRIIE-TECH continued/"rom p. :2 ) Utilities Put WATSIM to Work 

electrical demand that never exceeds 

500 W, and it automatically shifts 11 

significant amount of energy consumption to off-peak hours becaus(~ of' 

its smaller heating capacity. EPRI's 

WATSIM water heating simulation 

model can be used to analyze necessary tank sizing, desirable control 

strategies, and resultant energy consumption and electrical demand characteristics under any water draw, air 

temperature, and water temperature 

scenario. 

Under development for four years, 

the new unit has undergone extensive 

torture testing under extreme operating conditions, and it is expected to 

exhibit refrigerator-like reliability. 

Additionally, a number of units have 

been undergoing functional field testing for more than a year and have 

had no failures and required virtually 

no maintenance other than occasional 

filter cleanings. 

In the unlikely event that operational problems do occur, a unit can 

easily be shipped back to the factory 

or an authorized center for repair. 

The water heater can be operated as a 

conventional resistance water heater 

while the HPWH is being repaired. 

For technical information contact 

Glen Robinson; for sales information 

contact David Shuford, Crispaire 

Corp., 3570 American Drive, Atlanta, 

GA 30341, (404) 458-6643, or write 

Dr. Carl Hiller at EPRI. 

WATSIM Training Offered in 

EPRI Seminars 

Training on WATSIM is an integral part of a traveling seminar on 

water heating electrotechnologies 

being offered by the Institute. 

In addition to an intensive, handson WATSIM training session, the 

seminar will include descriptions of 

more than 20 different water heating 

electrotechnologies and their limitations and benefits. Hardware exhibits will allow participants to examine 

equipment and design features. 

The seminars are available upon 

request to EPRI member utilities on 

a travel and shipping reimbursement 

basis. For more information write to 

Dr. Carl Hiller at EPRI. 

More and more electric utilities 

;HTIISS the country are using WATSIM, 

EI'RI's new water heating simulation 

Inodel, 1.0 analyze and compare alternat.ive water heating technologies and 

control strategies. 

W ATSIM is a personal computer 

code that models virtually every water heating operating strategy and 

con figuration of potential interest to 

electric utilities. The software incorporates detailed water tank and heat 

input device models. It determines 

whether hot water runouts occur under any desired water draw scenario, 

giving users an effective tool for selecting adequate system heat in-puts, 

tank sizes, and control strategies. 

WATSIM also provides accurate energy and electrical demand analyses 

and is the only software available 

that determines diversified electrical 

demand as well as single-customer 

demand. 

"Electric utilities and their customers are very interested in the energy 

consumption, electrical demand, and 

operating cost characteristics of alternative electric water heating technologies and control strategies," says Dr. 

Carl Hiller, EPRI project manager in 

charge of the code's development. 

''Until recently this information could 

be obtained only through extensive 

field tests. With WATSIM it is now 

possible to rapidly analyze and compare many alternatives." 

That's exactly what Alabama 

Power Co. (APCo) has been doing. 

APCo has considerable experience 

with WATSIM, having served as a 

beta test site for a prerelease version 

of the software. The utility estimates 

it saved initially some $6 million by 

usingWATSIM, instead offield tests, 

to examine some 100 water heating 

configurations and gauge their impact on the company's load factor and 

sales revenue (see Electric Water 

Heating News, spring 1993, p. 1). 

APCo continues to use the code for 

more analyses. 

The utility recently used WATSIM 

to help a building contractor properly 

. size off-peak water heating systems 

for a residential subdivision. Using 

information provided by WATSIM, 

APCo staff were able to show the 

builder that his Pl'opo""d Willi',. 111'111 -

ing scheme would (:/111 " " lin 1IIIIII'n'pl.-

able number ol'hol. W/lI~ ,. llIlOlIl~. 

They then used WATSIM oulplll to 

suggest modifications I.hlll. would 

make the system mort' 1'('Ullomitlll 

and energy-eflicicnlllnd IIIIn llllizl' 

the chances ofhol walcl' nJlHHlb. 

APCo has also used W ATS I M to 

analyze time-of-use ra\'\'s fill' n'l{ullltory purposes. 

"WATSIM is valuahll' 1,.,I·IIIIIiI· it 

provides information- lil(I' pl'i,dict.illg 

runouts-that would be IIdrlnal\. 10 

obtain in any other way." HII'yH 

Wilbur Johnson, senior engilll'l'l' or 

technical services at APeo. 

Another WATSIM USI!I', Tom Vall 

Liew of Idaho Power, is lIsi Ilg Ihe 

software to model the pel'fill'IIlHnc<' or 

advanced water heating tl'('hllologies-such as desuperhea t.l'1' waleI' 

heaters, heat pump water hl'III.I'rs, 

and multifunction full-condl'nsing 

systems-under the weather conclitions in Idaho Power's servin' IIn'H. 

With WATSIM, Van Liew expt'ds 10 

develop load profiles and cost comparisons for alternative t ech Ilologil's 

in support ofIdaho Power's dcmandside management objectives. 

More than 60 utilities have I'l'-

ceived WATSIM to date. Utility personnel interested in using W A 1'8 1M 

are encouraged to enroll in EPRI's 

water heating electrotechnologies 

seminar (see sidebar at left). 

Electric Water Heating News is published 

quarterly by the Electric Power Research 

Institute. Subscriptions are free to EPR! 

members and can be obtained by contacting 

Dr. Carl C. Hiller, editor, Electric Water 

Heating News, EPR!, P.O. Box 10412, Palo 

Alto, CA 94303 

Editor: Dr. Carl C. Hiller, EPRI 

Editorial Board members: Denver Collins. 

State Industries; Karl Johnson, EPR!; 

Arvo Lannus, EPRI; Preston Roberts, 

Pennsylvania Power and Light Company: 

Glen Robinson, Crispaire Corporation; 

Charlie Wall, Georgia Power Company 

© 1993. Electric Power Research Institute, 

Inc. (EPRI) 

Electric Power Research Institute and EPR! 

a re registered service marks of the Electric 

Power Research Institute, Inc . 

@ Printed with soya inks on recycled paper 

(50% recycled fiber, including 100/( postconsumer waste) in the United States of America. 

3 
(EPRI Heat Pump Water Heater Applications Research Field Test continued from p. 1)

electric water heating applications

manuals, brochures, and other information/tech transfer documents.

"Results ofthe applications research field test will help us document

ways to enhance the performance and

value of both resistance and heat

pump water heaters," says Dr. Carl

Hiller ofEPRI's Residential Program.

Field test sites will be heavily instrumented and will collect detailed

minute-by-minute data over the

18-month test program. Configurations to be tested will include (depending on the level of utility participation) the following:

• 30-, 40-, 50-, 66-, 80-, 100-, and

120-gallon tanks

• Residential and small commercial

applications

• HPWHs with and without quick

recovery options

• Three mounting configurations

_Questions

Q. How can the new EPRIIE-Tech heat

pump water heater work well without

running out of hot water frequently,

given that it heats water only about

one-third as fast as a typical 4500-W

resistance element?

A Using the WATSIM computer

program, we were able to develop

control schemes and recommended

operating practices that allow the

smaller heating rate to work just fine.

In fact, in residentialapplications, a

lower element with only a 600-W heating rate is all that is really needed on

50-gal and largertanks, as long as a

4500-W upper element is still used.

WATSIM can be used to optimize the

tank sizing, installation, and control for

any application.

Q. How much will it cost my utility to

participate in the applications research

field test of the new EPRIIE-Tech heat

pump water heater?

A Ifyour utility has Tailored Collaboration funds available for 1993 or

1994, each test site (heat pump) will

cost $25,000 for the 18-month test

program. Ifyour Tailored Collaboration

4

• Various ducting configurations:

• Use of cooling/dehumidification

• Discarding cooling/dehumidification

• Attic air as heat source

• Attic ventilation

• Building ventilation

• Outside air as heat source

• Basement air as heat source

• Crawl space air as heat source

• Conditioned air as heat source

• Use ofwaste heat from kitchen,

laundry, machinery, etc.

• Various timer/off-peak control

strategies

• Various dual-tank configurations

"Data analysis will yield comprehensive information on electric resistance and HPWH efficiency, energy

consumption, and electrical demand

characteristics in different applications under different operating conditions and temperatures," says Dr.

and Answers

funds are already committed, your utility

can still participate by cost sharing, but

then it will cost $50,000 per test site.

The costs reflect the level ofinstrumentation needed to thoroughly understand

the behavior ofthe innovative applications. Most ofthe costs are in instrumentation, data collection, data analysis, and

reporting. Utilities keep the HPWH and

instrumentation at the end ofthe test.

Q. How can I order one ofthe EPRII

E-Tech heat pump water heaters?

A Call or write to David Shuford,

Crispaire Corp., 3570 American Drive,

Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone: (404)

458-6643, Fax: (404) 457-2352. Payment

may be made by check, VISA, or MasterCard in the amount of $595 plus $25

shipping and handling for the base unit.

For quantity purchases, contact David

Shuford. To order the tank-top mount

kit, include $36 plus $5 shipping and

handling. To order the coaxial drainvalve kit, include $18 plus $3 shipping

and handling. To order the quick recovery kit, include $40 plus $3 shipping and

handling. Additional sales taxes may

apply in some states.

Hiller. Participating utilities will

also gain experience with the HPWH

and learn the most effective configurations for their area.

''We think dual-tank systems hold

promise of achieving almost complete

load shift to off-peak hours without

external controls or timers, ifdone

cleverly," says Dr. Hiller, ''but we

need to test the various configurations

more fully in the field to be sure."

There are more than 100 ways to

install dual-tank systems, with the

optimum method depending on one's

specific objectives. Dual-tank systems

are one very attractive way to apply

resistance water heaters or HPWHs

in situations where only a fossil water

heater currently exists. The fossil water heater fuel input can be disconnected and the tank used as a passive

storage tank in the dual-tank system.

The greater storage capacity ofthe

dual-tank system allows lower heating rates and hence connection to existing 15-A, 110-Velectrical circuits,

in many cases, instead of needing to

add expensive 230-V wiring.

The field test is being done under

EPRI's Tailored Collaboration funding

mechanism. Member utilities interested in participating should write

Dr. Carl Hiller at EPRI.

Water Heating Interest

Group To Meet in October

The sixth annual EPRI Water Heating Interest Group meeting will be held

October 18-19, 1993, at the Monteleone

Hotel in New Orleans, inunediately

preceding EPRI's "Meeting Customer

Needs With Heat Pumps" conference.

Presentations will describe field and

laboratory'test results and recommended installation and application practices. Other topics will include EPRI

software for water heating analysis,

residential and commercial water

heating applications and technologies,

and various utility programs.

In addition, the new EPRIIE-Tech

heat pump water heater (see article,

page 1) will be introduced and displayed at the meeting.

For information or to register,

contact David Ross, PRA, (703)

742-8402.

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

(EPRI Heat Pump Water Heater Applications Research Field Test continued from p. 1) 

electric water heating applications 

manuals, brochures, and other information/tech transfer documents. 

"Results of the applications research field test will help us document 

ways to enhance the performance and 

value of both resistance and heat 

pump water heaters," says Dr. Carl 

Hiller of EPRI's Residential Program. 

Field test sites will be heavily instrumented and will collect detailed 

minute-by-minute data over the 

IS-month test program. Configurations to be tested will include (depending on the level of utility participation) the following: 

• 30-, 40-,50-, 66-, SO-, 100-, and 

120-gallon tanks 

• Residential and small commercial 

applications 

• HPWHs with and without quick 

recovery options 

• Three mounting configurations 

4 

I---Questions 

Q. How can the new EPRIIE-Tech heat 

pump water heater work well without 

running out of hot water frequently, 

given that it heats water only about 

one-third as fast as a typical 4500-W 

resistance element? 

A Using the WATSIM computer 

program, we were able to develop 

control schemes and recommended 

operating practices that allow the 

smaller heating rate to work just fine. 

In fact, in residential applicationS, a 

lower element with only a 600-W heating rate is all that is really needed on 

50-gal and larger tanks, as long as a 

4500-W upper element is still used. 

WATSIM can be used to optimize the 

tank sizing, installation, and control for 

any application. 

Q. How much will it cost my utility to 

participate in the applications research 

field test of the new EPRIIE-Tech heat 

pump water heater? 

A If your utility has Tailored Collaboration funds available for 1993 or 

1994, each test site (heat pump) will 

cost $25,000 for the 18-month test 

program. If your Tailored Collaboration 

• Various ducting configurations: 

• Use of cooling/dehumidification 

• Discarding cooling/dehumidification 

• Attic air as heat source 

• Attic ventilation 

• Building ventilation 

• Outside air as heat source 

• Basement air as heat source 

• Crawl space air as heat source 

• Conditioned air as heat source 

• Use of waste heat from kitchen, 

laundry, machinery, etc. 

• Various timer/off-peak control 

strategies 

• Various dual-tank configurations 

"Data analysis will yield comprehensive information on electric resistance and HPWH efficiency, energy 

consumption, and electrical demand 

characteristics in different applications under different operating conditions and temperatures," says Dr. 

and Answers 

funds are already committed, your utility 

can still participate by cost sharing, but 

then it will cost $50,000 per test site. 

The costs reflect the level of in strum entation needed to thoroughly understand 

the behavior of the innovative applications. Most of the costs are in instrumentation, data collection, data analysis, and 

reporting. Utilities keep the HPWH and 

instrumentation at the end of the test. 

Q. How can I order one of the EPRII 

E-Tech heat pump water heaters? 

A Call or write to David Shuford, 

Crispaire Corp., 3570 American Drive, 

Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone: (404) 

458-6643, Fax: (404) 457-2352. Payment 

may be made by check, VISA, or MasterCard in the amount of $595 plus $25 

shipping and handling for the base unit. 

For quantity purchases, contact David 

Shuford. To order the tank-top mount 

kit, include $36 plus $5 shipping and 

handling. To order the coaxial drainvalve kit, include $18 plus $3 shipping 

and handling. To order the quick recovery kit, include $40 plus $3 shipping and 

handling. Additional sales taxes may 

apply in some states. 

Hiller. Participating utilities will 

also gain experience with the HPWH 

and learn the most effective configurations for their area. 

''We think dual-tank systems hold 

promise of achieving almost complete 

load shift to off-peak hours without 

external controls or timers, if done 

cleverly," says Dr. Hiller, ''but we 

need to test the various configurations 

more fully in the field to be sure." 

There are more than 100 ways to 

install dual-tank systems, with the 

optimum method depending on one's 

specific objectives. Dual-tank systems 

are one very attractive way to apply 

resistance water heaters or HPWHs 

in situations where only a fossil water 

heater currently exists. The fossil water heater fuel input can be disconnected and the tank used as a passive 

storage tank in the dual-tank system. 

The greater storage capacity of the 

dual-tank system allows lower heating rates and hence connection to existing 15-A, 110-Velectrical circuits, 

in many cases, instead of needing to 

add expensive 230-V wiring. 

The field test is being done under 

EPRI's Tailored Collaboration funding 

mechanism. Member utilities interested in participating should write 

Dr. Carl Hiller at EPRI. 

Water Heating Interest 

Group To Meet in October 

The sixth annual EPRI Water Heating Interest Group meeting will be held 

October 18-19, 1993, at the Monteleone 

Hotel in New Orleans, immediately 

preceding EPRI's "Meeting Customer 

Needs With Heat Pumps" conference. 

Presentations will describe field and 

laboratory'test results and recommended installation and application practices. Other topics will include EPRI 

software for water heating analysis, 

residential and commercial water 

heating applications and technologies, 

and various utility programs. 

In addition, the new EPRIIE-Tech 

heat pump water heater (see article, 

page 1) will be introduced and displayed at the meeting. 

For information or to register, 

contact David Ross, PRA, (703) 

742-8402. 
New EPRIIE-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater

General Description

The new EPRI/E-Tech HeatPumpWaterHeater(HPWH)

is a State-of-the Art improvement over previously available

units. The Model WH-6 contains a rotary compressor,

evaporator coil, double wall condenser coil, tube axial fan,

sealed water pump and an expansion valve.

The WH-6 uses the environmental friendly HCFC-22

refrigerant to extract low grade heat from the air by cooling it

as it passes through the evaporator. The HPWH extracts low

grade heat from the air, upgrades it, and thens transfers it to

water. Airpassing through the unit iscooled and dehumidified.

Three to four times as much heat energy is transferred to the

water than is used to operate the compressor, fan and pump.

The WH-6 has been thoroughly tested for performance

and endurance under extreme environmental conditions.

Ratings and specifications are in accordance with the latest

DOE and GasAppliance ManufacturersAssociation (GAMA)

standards.

The compact size and low power consumption of the

WH-6 allow it to be used with a standard electric water heater

tank. The unit can reduce water heating bills up to two-thirds

and can heat 200-300 gallons of water per day. This is far

more than the average 64 gallons used by most residential

customers.

Features

• High efficiency and reliability.

• Compact size and lightweight. Easy to ship and install.

• Uses specially designed expansion valve to allowthe WH6 to operate efficiently over a wide ambient temperature

range.

., Tube axial fan allows cool, dry air to be ducted to other

areas or vented outside. Can be used for ventilation.

• Patented double wall, double spiral heat exchanger is

more efficient and wraps around compressor to save

space.

• Wide variety of simple installations.

• Automatic switch-overto resistance heating when ambient

temperature drops below approximately 35°F.

• Automatic passive defrost.

• Fast recovery option which automatically switches top

resistance element on after large water draws to minimize

hot water outages.

~Crispaire Corporation

3570 American Drive· Atlanta, Georgia 30341-2493

4041458-6643· FAX 4041458-6643

Model WH-6

Specifications

OUTPUT: 6,000 BTU/hr

ENERGY FACTOR (GAMA) 2.61

@ 67.5 FOB, 50% RH

RECOVERY:

10 Gallons/hr at 135° F tank temperature

COOLING &DEHUMIDIFICATION:

4,000 BTU/hr and 1 pintlhr.

WEIGHT: Net - 45 Ibs.

Ship - 501bs.

DIMENSIONS: 10" X 12" X 15" High

MAXIMUM TANK TEMPERATURE:

135° F

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

See electric water heater requirements for

required circuit ampacity.

Voltage: 208/230 VAC, 60 Hz, 10

FLA = 4, LRA = 15 @ 208 VAC

Nominal Load: 500 WATTS

OPERATING TEMPERATURES)

35°F Minimum air inlet

100°F Maximum air inlet.

ELECTRICAL

G

TESTING

LABORATORIES LISTED

(PENDING)

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

E-Tech New EPRIIE-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater 

General Description 

The new EPRI/E-Tech Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) 

is a State-of-the Art improvement over previously available 

units. The Model WH-6 contains a rotary compressor, 

evaporator coil, double wall condenser coil, tube axial fan, 

sealed water pump and an expansion valve. 

The WH-6 uses the environmental friendly HCFC-22 

refrigerant to extract low grade heat from the air by cooling it 

as it passes through the evaporator. The HPWH extracts low 

grade heat from the air, upgrades it, and thens transfers it to 

water. Air passing through the unit is cooled and dehumidified. 

Three to four times as much heat energy is transferred to the 

water than is used to operate the compressor, fan and pump. 

The WH-6 has been thoroughly tested for performance 

and endurance under extreme environmental conditions. 

Ratings and specifications are in accordance with the latest 

DOE and Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) 

standards. 

The compact size and low power consumption of the 

WH-6 allow it to be used with a standard electric water heater 

tank. The unit can reduce water heating bills up to two-thirds 

and can heat 200-300 gallons of water per day. This is far 

more than the average 64 gallons used by most residential 

customers. 

Features 

• High efficiency and reliability. 

• Compact size and lightweight. Easy to ship and install. 

• Uses specially designed expansion valve to allow the WH6 to operate efficiently over a wide ambient temperature 

range. 

. , Tube axial fan allows cool, dry air to be ducted to other 

areas or vented outside. Can be used for ventilation. 

• Patented double wall, double spiral heat exchanger is 

more efficient and wraps around compressor to save 

space. 

• Wide variety of simple installations. 

• Automatic switch-overto resistance heating when ambient 

temperature drops below approximately 35°F. 

• Automatic passive defrost. 

• Fast recovery option which automatically switches top 

resistance element on after large water draws to minimize 

hot water outages. 

Crispaire Corporation 3570 American Drive· Atlanta, Georgia 30341-2493 

4041458-6643 • FAX 4041458·6643 

Model WH-6 

Specifications 

OUTPUT: 6,000 BTU/hr 

ENERGY FACTOR (GAMA) 2.61 

@ 67.5 FOB, 50% RH 

RECOVERY: 

10 Gallons/hr at 135° F tank temperature 

COOLING & DEHUMIDIFICATION: 

4,000 BTU/hr and 1 pintlhr. 

WEIGHT: Net· 45 Ibs. 

Ship - 501bs. 

DIMENSIONS: 10" X 1 2" X 15" High 

MAXIMUM TANK TEMPERATURE: 

135° F 

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS: 

See electric water heater requirements for 

required circuit ampacity. 

Voltage: 208/230 VAC, 60 Hz, 10 

FLA = 4, LRA = 15 @ 208 VAC 

Nominal Load: 500 WATTS 

OPERATING TEMPERATURES) 

35°F Minimum air inlet 

100°F Maximum air inlet. 

G 

ELECTRICAL TESTING 

LABOR A TORIES LISTED 

(PENDING) 
Installation & Operation

The WH-6 is designed to be installed remotely or directly on top of a suitable electric water heatertank. The

unit connects directly to a 208/230 Volt, 10, power source and an electric resistance water heater. The existing

electric circuit may be used for retrofit installations. The total load of the resistance water heatermust notexceed

4,500 watts.

Three options are available for installing the HPWH. The simplest instanation is to set the WH-6 on a shelf,

table or the floor. Install a 3/4 in. tee in the cold water inlet of the tank and connect a hose to female pipe thread

adaptor on the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Either 1/2 in. or 5/8 in 00 copper tubing is used to connect

the top 3/4 in. tee of the tank to the cold water inlet of the WH-6 and connect the drain valve to the hot water

outlet of the WH-6. The 5/8 in. tubing is preferred especially if the total length of the tubing exceeds eight feet.

Sweat, compression or flare fittings may be used. All connections are made to 1/2 in. female pipe fittings.

The next easiest installation is to set the WH-6 as above and use the coaxial dip stick fitting supplied with

kit No. RM-52, This allows all of the water connections to be at the bottom of the tank without disturbing hot and

cold water lines. The same type of tubing and fittings described above are used.

For mounting on top of a tank, the Model T-50 installation kit is required which consists of two corrugated

flexible copper tubes, two 3/4 in. tees and two dip sticks. This method conserves space, but may require

rerouting of plumbing lines in retrofit applications.

The HPWH must be protected from freezing and rain. Most suitable locations are in basements, utility

rooms, laundry rooms and garages. The unit should be ducted to other areas which can benefit from cooling

and dehumidification if it is installed in a poorly ventilated closet or small room. Return air should be provided

to the unit. Venting to the outside is attractive if fresh air ventilation is desired.

Tank Selection

TheWH-6 HPWH can be installedwith most standard electric resistance water heaters. The recommended

minimum tank capacity for residential applications can be based upon the family size and the table below.

Family Size Tank Capacity

(persons) (gallons)

1 - 2 40 - 52

3-4 52 - 66

5 66 - 82

6-8 82 - 120

A largertank should be used in homes with greaterthan average hotwater usage. Above average hotwater

usage can be due to garden tubs, spas, or uninsulated water lines.

Specifications subject to change without notice. U.S. Patent Nos.

~Crispaire Corporation

3570 American Drive· Atlanta, Georgia 30341·2493

4041458·6643 • FAX 4041458·6643 Printed in U.S.A. 12193© 1993 Crispaire/E-Tech

EE-RM-90-201 COMMENT OOC4

Installation & Operation 

The WH-S is designed to be installed remotely or directly on top of a suitable electric water heater tank. The 

unit connects directly to a 208/230 Volt, 1o, power source and an electric resistance water heater. The existing 

electric circuit may be used for retrofit installations. The total load of the resistance water heater must not exceed 

4,500 watts. 

Three options are available for installing the HPWH. The simplest instanation is to set the WH-S on a shelf, 

table or the floor. Install a 3/4 in. tee in the cold water inlet of the tank and connect a hose to female pipe thread 

adaptor on the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Either 1/2 in. or 5/8 in 00 copper tubing is used to connect 

the top 3/4 in. tee of the tank to the cold water inlet of the WH-S and connect the drain valve to the hot water 

outlet of the WH-S. The 5/8 in. tubing is preferred especially if the total length of the tubing exceeds eight feet. 

Sweat, compression or flare fittings may be used. All connections are made to 1/2 in. female pipe fittings. 

The next easiest installation is to set the WH-S as above and use the coaxial dip stick fitting supplied with 

kit No. RM-S2, This allows all of the water connections to be at the bottom of the tank without disturbing hot and 

cold water lines. The same type of tubing and fittings described above are used. 

For mounting on top of a tank, the Model T-SO installation kit is required which consists of two corrugated 

flexible copper tubes, two 3/4 in. tees and two dip sticks. This method conserves space, but may require 

rerouting of plumbing lines in retrofit applications. 

The HPWH must be protected from freezing and rain. Most suitable locations are in basements, utility 

rooms, laundry rooms and garages. The unit should be ducted to other areas which can benefit from cooling 

and dehumidification if it is installed in a poorly ventilated closet or small room. Return air should be provided 

to the unit. Venting to the outside is attractive if fresh air ventilation is desired. 

Tank Selection 

The WH-S H PWH can be installed with most standard electric resistance water heaters. The recommended 

minimum tank capacity for residential applications can be based upon the family size and the table below. 

Family Size Tank Capacity 

(persons) (gallons) 

1 - 2 40 - 52 

3-4 52 - 66 

5 66 - 82 

6-8 82 - 120 

A larger tank should be used in homes with greater than average hot water usage. Above average hot water 

usage can be due to garden tubs, spas, or uninsulated water lines. 

Specifications subject to change without notice. U.S. Patent Nos. 

Crispaire Corporation 

3570 American Drive· Atlanta, Georgia 30341·2493 

404/458-6643 • FAX 4041458-6643 Printed in U.S.A. 12193© 1993 Crispaire/ E-Tec h