This is not a solar specific discussion, but I'd like to discuss solutions to the energy intensive act of heating water. What solutions have you found to be most practical or most efficient for your application?
I like the idea of having multiple methods, with the primary methods be methods that take advantage of excesses or 'free energy' when available. A "3 Way" (or 4 way) solution that makes use of excess solar power when available (using a DC heating element), and heat from the engine when driving, and a third method that is on demand (not necessarily in the sense of 'instant hot'/tankless, I mean on demand in the sense of it doesn't rely upon a surplus of solar or engine heat which is not always available). Diesel hydronic heater or Propane appliance of some sort would be the two alternatives that come to mind.
I'd like to just discuss / brainstorm ideas when it comes to water heating, so the convo doesn't need to stay restricted to my specific considerations outlined above.
I've found water heaters (mostly marine) that are made to be two way (engine heat + 110v ac) and could be converted to DC, I haven't found anything that is made out of the box to be '3-way' but I'm sure there are other ways to design this.
I like the idea of having multiple methods, with the primary methods be methods that take advantage of excesses or 'free energy' when available. A "3 Way" (or 4 way) solution that makes use of excess solar power when available (using a DC heating element), and heat from the engine when driving, and a third method that is on demand (not necessarily in the sense of 'instant hot'/tankless, I mean on demand in the sense of it doesn't rely upon a surplus of solar or engine heat which is not always available). Diesel hydronic heater or Propane appliance of some sort would be the two alternatives that come to mind.
I'd like to just discuss / brainstorm ideas when it comes to water heating, so the convo doesn't need to stay restricted to my specific considerations outlined above.
I've found water heaters (mostly marine) that are made to be two way (engine heat + 110v ac) and could be converted to DC, I haven't found anything that is made out of the box to be '3-way' but I'm sure there are other ways to design this.