Gas Water Heater Comparative Testing Round-Robin 2005/06

Downloading the PDF Version

The full document is available as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view it. The Adobe Reader is a free product.

Download Gas Water Heater Comparative Testing Round-Robin 2005/06 (200612-wh-round-robin.pdf - 412 kB)

If you are unable to access this document, please contact the Australian Greenhouse Office to organise a suitable alternative format.

Summary

Gas water heaters are a key product identified within the Switch on Gas strategy released in 2005 as part of the National Framework on Energy Efficiency. Governments are collectively looking to regulate the energy efficiency of this product as soon as possible in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This general goal was foreshadowed in the National Greenhouse Strategy published in 1998. A more refined proposal including possible mandatory performance requirements and a revised gas energy label was released to industry in 2002.

A key component of any regulatory scheme is the method of measuring performance claims. The existing industry sponsored labelling is underpinned by AS4552 which has been the basis for the current industry operated energy labelling scheme since 1985. However, questions have been raised by key stakeholders concerned about the accuracy and reproducibility of the test method.

The Australian Greenhouse Office proposed a round robin comparative test program utilising all independent NATA accredited gas test laboratories in Australia in order to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the test method that underpins the current scheme. The basis of this comparative program was approved by those involved in the relevant Standards Committee AG-001. Industry members agreed to monitor the progress of the round robin.

The aim of the tests was to assess the current status of the test procedure for gas water heaters, AS4552, and to undertake a range of comparative and development tests that would most likely set out the future direction with respect to the development of the test procedure, particularly its suitability as the basis for a future energy regulatory program for gas water heaters.

A total of 10 units (4 storage and 6 instantaneous water heaters) were obtained in mid 2005 and subsequently tested. The tests undertaken included a range of existing performance tests as specified in standard AS4552 as well as exploratory tests aiming to provide realistic and reliable data on water heater performance. Three NATA accredited gas test laboratories participated in the testing and were paid by the AGO.

The proposed range of tests to be undertaken, together with broad aim and objectives, were circulated to AG-001 in October 2004. A range of comments were received from stakeholders, mostly seeking clarifications and refinements to the proposed range of tests.

After initial screening tests were completed, a detailed test schedule was developed for each of the participating laboratories and water heater types. Tests were conducted in late 2005 and early 2006.

This paper does not provide detailed results for individual water heaters. However, it does provide some commentary on the general findings of these comparative and development tests and provides some guidance on areas of the test procedure that requires attention during the current revision.

This page last modified 30 October 2006