A hot water cylinder is a hot water storage tank used for different purposes. These water tanks are highly insulated, and a well-insulated tank can keep the water hot for days, thus reducing the fuel cost. Water has a high specific heat capacity and stores more heat as compared to other liquids, moreover water has no harmful effect that makes it highly preferable for hot cylinders. Almost all the hot cylinders come with a built-in heating system, either electric or gas burner.
There are two types of hot cylinder, Direct and indirect hot water cylinder. The basic working and benefits of both types of the cylinder have been discussed as follows.
Direct hot water Cylinder:
The Direct Cylinder uses electric immersion to heat the water, and no type of gas or oil boiler is used. This type of cylinder is mostly used in the space where there is no means of gas access, such as apartments and upper-level flats. These hot waters cylinders are used when electricity is the only choice to heat the water. These water tanks are highly insulated and keep the water hot for hours.
Advantages:
There is no need for a cold water tank or linked pipe works. This advantage makes it a space-saving hot water cylinder and best for small spaces.
The water pressure in the direct hot water cylinder will be the same as your main’s pressure. The water is directly supplied into taps and pipes at mains pressure.
These unvented water cylinders are watertight sealed, thus reducing the risk of contamination or leakage.
Disadvantages:
It cannot be used with power showers.
A direct system is expensive to install.