Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A Model Predictive Controller For Tankless Water Heaters, Gregor P. Henze, David P. Yuill, Andrew H. Coward

David Yuill

This paper describes the development of a novel approach to temperature control of tankless water heaters (TWHs). Conventional methods of controlling TWHs typically allow a high degree of error in the outlet water temperature when subjected to disturbances in flow rate or inlet water temperature. Poor control affects comfort, safety, and energy consumption associ- ated with TWHs. The novel control approach presented here uses model predictive control (MPC) to minimize the outlet temperature error. A dynamic heat transfer model of an electric TWH is developed and validated and used within a MPC-based controller. The controller is interfaced to a physical …