What if water heaters could become more energy-efficient and produce less carbon when being manufactured, by use of metal 3D printing technology? This concept makes use of the unique possibilities of metal 3D printing to create advanced geometries in copper or aluminum to better transfer heat from heating elements to water. With 3D printing advanced and novel geometries can be created to provide great performance and require less parts for assembly. This evolution of water heating technology will make products more sustainable to produce and more energy-efficient to use.
This project sprung from a course in Additive Manufacturing (AM) of Heat Exchangers - the holy grail in AM due to the many benefits 3D printing in metal provides. The concept was developed to be a standalone electric instant water heater for use in households, for example heating water for a water-saving faucet.
Having won multiple awards - Göteborg Energi Tänk:Om, Metal X Challenge, and Green Concept Award - this concept is currently being developed to provide the next-generation of water heater products.
