Open-Standard Wireless Controllers for Water Heaters Research Project

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is currently conducting research into open-standard wireless controllers for water heaters. Nationwide, a daily reduction of over 37 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) could potentially occur by proactively removing demand from the grid during on-peak hours through the use of wireless controls. Over one year, this could transfer 1.1 billion kWh to off-peak times.

Project Description

This project seeks to develop and commercialize a new product that incorporates a predictive algorithm that learns usage patterns and reduces unnecessary water heating during times when there is a history of peak grid usage. This product will also include an interactive user display that supplies the consumer with a tool to manage the costs and energy used by the water heater.

Project Partners

Research is being undertaken by DOE, Emerson Electric Co., Emerson White Rodgers, Emerson Climate Technologies, and Emerson Materials Technology Center.

Project Goals

The goal of the project is to reduce energy usage and reduce peak loads by designing a control for electric water heaters.

Benefits and Impacts

This new technology can be applied to existing and new water heaters. The ability to apply this technology to any electric storage water heater could allow efficiency and peak-load reduction benefits to reach potentially 43 million water heaters. The low cost of the product and its installation should help the product to penetrate quickly into the market, creating or preserving 2,175 jobs.

Contact Information

Alan Schroeder
alan.schroeder@ee.doe.gov

U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy