Tank versus tankless water heating benefits can vary with the application. In the case of certain larger, indoor commercial applications, such as restaurants and hotels, the benefits from both water heating options are equally compelling.
The new Noritz Hybrid Hot Series merges the benefits of hot-water storage with the efficiency of on-demand tankless water heating. Combining the two approaches, tank and tankless, provides the perfect solution for those commercial applications that routinely require a large dump load of hot water over a short period of time, while also involving zero hot-water demand for long stretches.
So, how does the storage-tank component enhance this new hybrid technology?
Heat trap
Hybrid Hot Series storage tanks contain a uniquely designed heat trap that improves the stratification of hot water inside their concrete-lined storage tanks. The goal of this heat trap design, which resembles the shape of an elephant nose, is to improve the hot-water efficiency of the product, while achieving the highest stratification possible.
Similar to how ambient air temperatures rise from one floor to the next inside a home, hot water — because it is less dense — tends to rise to the top of a hot water storage tank. Water density varies directly with temperatures, with cold water having a higher density than hot water. This, in turn, creates a somewhat layered landscape — from hot to cold, top to bottom — inside the tank.
Here’s how the heat trap facilitates the efficient operation of the Hybrid Hot:
- The center position of the trap allows the hot water to be pulled from the tankless water heater into the middle point of the tank. The trap also prevents unwanted hot-water convection flow from storage during standby (zero demand) periods.
- Heat loss from the tank is minimized by its concrete lining and polyurethane insulation (see below). Reduced heat loss, of course, cuts the energy normally required to maintain the stratified water temperatures inside the tank. As noted, these temperatures gradually increase from bottom to top.
- Pulling the coldest water from the bottom of the tank gives the unit the highest temperature rise, maximizing system BTUs.
Thus, an ample supply of hot water is readily available with no need to heat the entire tank, as in a conventional, commercial storage-tank solution.
Cement lining and polyurethane Insulation
Commercial storage tanks often contain a thick glass lining whose protection from corrosion requires the maintenance and replacement of a sacrificial anode rod. But the 119-gallon Hybrid Hot tank’s half-inch-thick cement lining provides maximum protection from corrosion.
As noted above, the tank also contains two inches of polyurethane foam insulation that maximizes heat retention within the tank, resulting in energy and cost savings.
Recirculation return port
This dedicated ¾-inch MNPT port, located on the side of the tank, speeds and simplifies the installation process by allowing the plumber to tie the recirculation return line into the incoming cold-water line without needing a complicated plumbing setup.
Industry-leading warranty and efficiency rating
The powerful Hybrid Hot Series holds an industry-leading 10-year warranty for both the tank and tankless components. In addition, the tankless water heater has a thermal efficiency rating of 98% with a 0.96 uniform energy factor (UEF).
For more information on the Hybrid Hot Series, click HERE.