A prototype reverse Brayton air cycle heat pump water heater has been designed and built for residential applications. The system consists of a compressor/expander, an air-water heat exchanger, an electric motor, a water circulation pump, a thermostat, and fluid management controls. The prototype development program consists of a market analysis, design study, and development testing. The results of a market study of the reverse Brayton cycle water heater revealed that a potential residential market for the new high efficiency water heater is approximately 480,000 units per year. The retail and installation cost of the new high efficiency water heater is estimated to be between $500 and $600 which is approximately $300 more than a conventional electric water heater. The average payback per unit is less than 3-1/2 years and the average recurring energy cost-savings after the payback period is approximately $105 per year at an average seasonal coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.7.
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