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Mitigating Voltage Flicker from Electric Tankless Water Heaters: A Transformer Sizing Case Study
This case study investigates a residential voltage flicker complaint traced to a newly installed 28 kW electric tankless water heater. Power quality monitoring revealed significant voltage variation and flicker, particularly at high flow rates. System modeling and field measurements confirmed that upsizing the service transformer from 25 kVA to 50 kVA reduced flicker events and voltage deviation by over 40%, improving power quality to acceptable levels. The findings prompted updates to customer guidelines and highlighted the need for proactive planning as tankless water heater adoption increases.
Key topics include:
- Initial Power Quality Measurements
- Analysis and System Modeling
- Observations and Recommendations
- Transformer Sizing Comparison
Why utilities should care:
Understanding the high instantaneous loads from electric tankless water heaters is critical for maintaining voltage quality and customer satisfaction. Proactive transformer sizing and updated service guidelines help prevent costly complaints and ensure compliance with voltage standards.
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