Make It Count

Did you know that a surprising five percent of carbon emissions come from the way we move, treat, and use water? It's partly due to the inefficient methods we employ to heat water, such as traditional water heaters with heating elements. These heating elements get extremely hot and transfer the heat to the water, causing mineral buildup and decreasing heating efficiency. Losing just a millimeter of scale can result in a 50 percent decrease in heating efficiency.

But what if there was a way to heat water without using a heating element? Meet Jerry, the inventor of the Ohmic Array technology. His groundbreaking invention has the potential to revolutionize water heating and significantly reduce carbon emissions. In fact, if every home in the United States adopted this technology, it could shut down 12 of the largest coal-fired power plants in the country.

Welcome to Make It Count, a series that explores environmental innovations and the mathematical calculations required to make them accessible to the masses. Let's start by examining the speed at which water can be heated. Have you ever noticed how long it takes for water to boil when you're cooking pasta? The Ohmic Array technology changes the game.

Using regular heating elements, it typically takes around 45 seconds or a minute for the water to reach the desired temperature. However, with the Ohmic Array, it happens in an instant. Just one, two, three, and voila! The water is heated. This may seem like a minor improvement, but the efficiency gains become evident when we consider the various ways energy transforms from one form to another.

Interestingly, the water heating industry has largely remained stuck with the same technology invented by Ohm back in 1851. The conventional method involves heating elements that take time to heat up and cool down. The Ohmic Array technology, on the other hand, utilizes graphite plates as electrical conductors. By passing controlled electrical currents through multiple pairs of these plates immersed in water, temperature control becomes precise, eliminating scaling problems associated with boiling water.

While the Ohmic Array technology is unique, it's not the only tankless water heater available. Tankless or on-demand water heaters, in general, are more energy and water-efficient compared to their traditional counterparts. On average, they can save up to 2,100 gallons of water per year by only heating the water that is needed. So why haven't tankless water heaters become the norm?

The main challenge lies in the installation process. For homeowners with existing electric water heaters, there are costs associated with removing the old unit, installing a new one, and connecting it to an electric power source. Additionally, tankless water heaters have a significant power requirement when operating, sometimes up to 100 amps, which can exceed the total electrical capacity of most homes.

In new construction, incorporating thicker wires and larger circuit breakers to accommodate tankless water heaters is relatively straightforward. However, retrofitting existing homes presents a more significant challenge. It often requires rewiring, installing new sub panels, and seeking professional assistance. While the financial benefits of these systems can be realized over time, the initial costs, both monetary and in terms of time and effort, contribute to consumer inertia.

Over the course of five years, the savings from using systems like the Ohmic Array can cover the unit's cost and start to offset installation expenses. The average household spends around four to six hundred dollars annually on water heating. With potential savings of up to 40 percent, which amounts to approximately $200 per year, the economic incentive for adopting more efficient technologies becomes clear.

However, the cost of these systems extends beyond mere monetary investment. It requires educating homeowners about the benefits and superiority of newer technologies compared to the traditional ones they are accustomed to. Changing deeply ingrained habits and perceptions can be a significant challenge, especially when it comes to utilities like water heaters.

Fortunately, there are other environmentally friendly options for water heating, such as solar and geothermal alternatives, which are becoming increasingly affordable. These innovations create a scenario where the most efficient option aligns with the most cost-effective choice. This alignment serves as a strong catalyst for widespread adoption on a global scale.

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, numerous incredible opportunities arise to conserve water, energy, and the environment. These opportunities are becoming more prevalent, and being part of this trend is exhilarating. We are witnessing a shift toward greener solutions that have the potential to reshape how we approach everyday tasks like heating water.

In conclusion, the Ohmic Array technology and other advancements in water heating offer us a chance to significantly reduce our carbon footprint while simultaneously saving money. By embracing these innovations, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a sustainable future for generations to come.