A hot water storage tank is used for storing hot water for
space heating or domestic use. An efficiently insulated tank can retain stored
heat for days.
Typically hot water storage tanks are wrapped in heat
insulation to reduce energy consumption, speed up the heating process, and
maintain the desired operating temperature.
Insulation
Water tanks are available with various insulation ratings
but it is possible to add layers of extra insulation in the form of a blanket
or on the outside of an un-insulated, or poorly insulated, water tanks to
reduce heat loss, to increase energy efficiency and, in extreme conditions, the
tank itself might be wholly enclosed in a specially constructed insulated
space.
It is important that the blanket be the right size for the
tank, not block air flow or cover safety and drainage valves, the controls, or
block airflow through an exhaust vent. In extremely humid locations, adding
insulation to an already well-insulated tank may cause condensation leading to
rust or mold, so some air flow must be maintained, usually by convection caused
by waste heat.
Most modern fiberglass water heaters have applied
polyurethane foam insulationblanket where access to the
inner tank is a priority. The polyurethane foam can be applied in encapsulated
form, allowing the removal of insulation layer for regular integrity checks and
if required.
Solar hot water
storage tank
In a solar water heating system, a solar hot water storage
tank stores heat from solar thermal collectors. The tank has a built-in
heat-exchanger to heat domestic cold water. In relatively mild climates, the
storage tanks are often roof-mounted. All such tanks share the same problems as
artificially-heated tanks including limestone deposit and corrosion, and suffer
similar reductions in overall efficiency unless scrupulously maintained.
Advantages of
insulation
The tank is where your hot water gets stored after being
heated by the boiler, and if it is poorly insulated, it will lose heat much
quicker. It requires more energy for the boiler to re-heat this water.
A water heater blanket can potentially keep your water
heater running more efficiently. If your water heater is using less energy to
successfully heat the water in its tank, this means that the water will retain
heat better and heat up more quickly.
Polycon Bahrain provides wide range of services. For more
details, do visit our website at www.polyconbahrain.com
