Operational Overview

Heat Pump Water Heater Operation:

Heat pump water heaters remove heat from surrounding air and use that heat to heat water. By doing so, heat pump water heaters can operate much more efﬁciently and at signiﬁcantly lower costs compared to standard electric water heaters.

This heat pump water heater has four (4) operating modes for maximum ﬂexibility in meeting hot water needs under a variety of conditions. Available modes are: Efﬁciency, Hybrid, Electric and Vacation.

Operating Mode Descriptions:

Efﬁciency Mode provides the highest efﬁciency and lowest cost operation by using only the heat pump to heat water. Recovery time and efﬁciency will vary with ambient temperature and relative humidity. Efﬁciency will be greatest when both are high and recovery time will be shortest. At lower temperatures and relative humidity levels, efﬁciency will be lower and recovery will take longer. Heat pump operation is allowed from 45°F to 109°F ambient temperature. At ambient temperatures lower that 45°F and greater than 109°F the heat pump will not operate. Similarly, if the water temperature in the tank is less than 59°F, the heat pump will not operate. The unit will operate in electric mode until ambient and water temperatures return to the safe operating range of the heat pump.

Hybrid mode provides the best combination of energy efﬁciency and hot water delivery. The heat pump will be used to heat water after moderate hot water use. When a large quantity of hot water is used, the upper electric heating element will heat water in order to speed up recovery. Once the upper portion of the tank reaches set point, the element will shut off and the heat pump will heat water until the average tank temperature reaches set point. Hybrid mode provides the highest ﬁrst hour hot water delivery with excellent economy.

Electric mode allows operation like a standard electric water heater, using the upper and lower heating elements to heat water. The heat pump is not used in this mode. The key advantage of using this mode is that it eliminates the cool air exhausted from the heat pump. During cold weather months, this may be desirable. Hot water delivery and operating costs are comparable to a standard electric water heater with similar tank capacity.

Vacation mode should be used when hot water will not be needed for a period of time greater than three

(3)days. In vacation mode electric elements are used to heat water and set point is a non-adjustable 60°F. Minimal electricity will be used and maintaining 60°F minimizes the risk of the water heater freezing in cold weather.

User Interface Module Overview:

The User Interface Module (UIM) is used to control the heat pump water heater. It displays useful information about the operating status of the water heater, the selected mode of operation and the set point temperature. Fault information will be displayed should a malfunction occur with one of the components or sub-systems. The UIM also is used to set the water heater to the desired set point temperature, mode of operation, temperature units (°F or °C) and to check the operating condition of the heat pump through the maintenance display, see “Accessing the Maintenance Display”(p. 21).

Initial Start Up:

When powered up for the ﬁrst time (or when power is re-applied after a power outage or service work is performed), the control will run the dry ﬁre check to establish that the tank is completely ﬁlled with water, see “Dry Fire Element Protection” (p.8). The UIM will display “Dry Fire” during this operation, which will take about four (4) minutes. After eight (8) minutes have elapsed, the fan should come on; after an aditional thirty (30) seconds, the heat pump compressor should turn on. Note that during the initial start up, the heat pump will come on regardless of operation mode selected. This is intended to allow for evaluation of the heat pump to ensure that it is operating properly. The heat pump will heat water until the set point temperature is reached in the tank; it will then shut off. After this initial start up is complete, the water heater will operate per operational mode setting, ambient air and tank water tamperatures, and set point temperature.

RESIDENTIAL HYBRID ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER, HPE10260H045DV, HPE10280H045DV specifications

The American Water Heater HPE10280H045DV and HPE10260H045DV are pioneering residential hybrid electric heat pump water heaters designed to deliver energy-efficient performance while meeting the hot water demands of modern households. These innovative units fuse traditional electric heating with advanced heat pump technology, allowing for significant reductions in energy consumption compared to conventional electric water heaters.

One of the primary features of these hybrid models is their outstanding energy efficiency ratings. Both units typically achieve an impressive Energy Factor (EF) that reflects their ability to convert electricity into hot water. By utilizing ambient air to heat water, these heat pump water heaters pull in heat from the surrounding environment and transfer it to the water, thus consuming less electricity. This technology not only reduces energy bills but also decreases the overall carbon footprint of the home.

The HPE10280H045DV and HPE10260H045DV boast a sleek, compact design that allows for flexible installation options, making them suitable for various locations within a home. Their user-friendly digital interface provides homeowners with intuitive controls to manage temperature settings and monitor performance. These models are equipped with smart technology that includes an intuitive display for adjusting modes and settings. They feature selectable operating modes, including electric, heat pump, and hybrid, allowing users to choose the most efficient heating method based on current needs.

In terms of capacity, the HPE10280H045DV offers a substantial 80-gallon tank, while the HPE10260H045DV provides a 60-gallon capacity, ensuring that households of different sizes can enjoy ample hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing simultaneously. Both models are designed with durability in mind, featuring robust components and corrosion-resistant tanks that promise longevity and maintenance-free operations.

Another significant aspect of these hybrid water heaters is their whisper-quiet operation, which makes them ideal for installation in living spaces or areas close to bedrooms. The noise level is minimized by the efficient insulation and placement of the compressor, ensuring that the serenity of the home is maintained.

In summary, the American Water Heater HPE10280H045DV and HPE10260H045DV represent a leap forward in the water heating industry, combining innovative heat pump technology with user-friendly features, energy efficiency, and ample capacity, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners looking for reliable hot water solutions.