Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate ways to reduce the wastage of electricity and water during
domestic hot water applications. Contemporary electric water heaters do not use water and
electricity in an efficient manner due to their methods of operation, the placement of the water
heater unit away from the point‐of‐use and the lack of direct user‐control. The aim of this study is to
consider the feasibility of decentralising water heating to the point‐of‐use by combining a compact
heating chamber with the tap, providing scope for the user to be in direct control of the water
heating system. This study is necessary in order to support the development of products that
improve the efficient use of essential resources, in this case electricity and water. The method used
to study the feasibility of user‐controlled decentralised water heating is laboratory‐based
experimentation, for which a compact heating chamber and user‐operated controls are designed.
This study uses mixed‐methods research to measure both the heating chamber and the user‐control
simultaneously. The experimental findings confirm that it is possible to heat flowing water in a
compact heating chamber and the user is able to directly control the water heating system. These
findings support further research and development of the user‐controlled point‐of‐use water heating
concept as a method to save electricity and water. Further research and development should aim to
determine to what extent this concept saves water and electricity when compared to existing water
heating systems.
M.Tech. (Industrial Design)