Discussion: Efficiency

[grouper therapy]

mojo;421681 wrote: I guess that's my point... I'm not convinced that the offset is that much different. Almost all of us set our house thermostat differently in summer and winter, and my basement temp can vary as much as 10 degrees between the two seasons. I guess I'd have to see more data to show me how dropping the tank temp by a couple degrees in the appropriate season is going to save any money / electricity...

I think that there are too many variables to consider based on individual habits and the range of temps encountered in each environment. Each setup would be unique. Same principle would apply in all setups as regards the offset.

 

[schwaggs]

The lower temp in the winter helps more on the heating side of the equation. The savings is in heating the body of water to 81 as opposed to 76 in a 68 degree house (or a 62 degree basement in my case). On a 500 gallon system, I think that difference is measurable.

Similarly, the higher tank temperature in the summer reduces the load on the chiller since the cool down from ambient is less (less than than a tank temp of 76).

 

[schwaggs]

Another cost saving consideration - reduce your photo period in the summer months. This saves in 2 ways; 1) electric rates ($$$/kilowatt) in the summer are higher than winter; 2) your chiller will run less.

 

[smoothie]

Schwaggs;421723 wrote: Another cost saving consideration - reduce your photo period in the summer months. This saves in 2 ways; 1) electric rates ($$$/kilowatt) in the summer are higher than winter; 2) your chiller will run less.

You can also creap it up to night time when prices are lower. I'm sure someone on here remembers the thread and % it increases during the day in summer

 

[schwaggs]

Miami Dolfan;420984 wrote: For me, changing my magnetic Metal Halide ballasts to electronic ones resulted in a 50% energy savings. This I would highly recommend that you do.

Probably at near 40-50% reduction in PAR output too. Most electronic ballasts run bulbs right at the rated power level of the bulb (i.e. 250W bulbs are driven at 250W of power consumption). However, many magnetic ballasts "overdrive" the bulb (something like a 250W bulb being driven with 350W of power). Usually this is at a proportional increase in PAR output.

So if you want to get 350W out of your 250W bulbs, magnetic ballasts are not all that bad. Magnetics are typically less efficient than electronics but not 50% less. Typically 0-10% less efficient.

 

[johnr2604]

Gotta agree with Raj here. The biggest savings I have seen was installing a high efficiency air conditioner. It allows me to keep my tank at 79 deg with no chiller. My house is more comfy plus it does a lot better job of removing humidity.