Characterization of thermal stratification in a horizontally-configured electric water heater (EWH) storage tank

This dataset encompasses data for static heating and cooling modes, as well as dynamic water events for a horizontally-configured domestic electric water heater (DEWH) with a capacity of 150 liters. The model name of the device is "Kwikot Superline". The tank is equipped with a heating coil having a nominal power of 3 kW and insulation which provides a B-class energy rating as per South African national standards (SANS) 151, which limits standing losses to 2.59 kWh/24h. The specimen tank is located in a laboratory within the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. The data were collected using a custom-built test bench designed to assist in characterizing the thermal response of the specimen tank. The test bench has the capability to emulate and control ambient temperature using a climatic chamber, emulate inlet water temperature, mimic user behavior by controlling water usage patterns, and manage electrical switching frequencies and conditions for the heating element. Additionally, a custom data acquisition module was specifically designed and built for this purpose, highlighting the capture of thermal stratification within the tank, outlet water temperature, environmental temperatures (ambient and inlet water), energy usage, and water usage. The internal stratification measurement unit was designed and built to measure three-dimensional temperature distributions within the specimen tank, with the most significant data being the stratification data in the plane of gravity. Five different vertical busses were installed in the tank to measure stratification at different longitudinal locations within the tank. Although radial temperatures were also recorded, no significant differences were observed. Environmental and operational data, such as input power to the heating element, ambient (chamber) temperature, inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, flow rate of water discharge events, and laboratory temperatures, were also recorded. Schematics of the test bench and internal temperature measurement device are provided in the "Schematics" folder, offering a reference to sensor locations that directly correspond to those seen in the datasets. A description of the dataset structure is also provided in the "Experimental Data" folder, which describes the variables, their corresponding data types, units, and formats. Please note that all provided datasets are raw and unprocessed. Data formats: CSV, JSON,