Performance characteristics of a pulse combustion water heater

Work performed on an experimental pulse combustion water heater, as well as results obtained with the experimental system, are reported. Thermal, pressure, acoustical, and flow measurements were made during each test run. Data obtained from the thermal measurements were used to calculate the efficiency of the experimental system. The highest calculated efficiency value was 88 percent. The acoustical measurements indicated that the average A-weighted sound pressure level in the vicinity of the unit was approximately 77 dBA. A number of improvements to be made in the measurement techniques are discussed, as well as plans for future work associated with this research.