Using a Water Brake to Heat Water

Water brakes are primarily used for load-creation in engine testing applications across numerous industries, but […]

Water brakes are primarily used for load-creation in engine testing applications across numerous industries, but there are other applications where a dynamometer can be used. Here’s one unique application for a water brake: heating water. Taking advantage of the hot water produced is a convenient use of the rotational torque converted into heat energy by the operation of a Power Test water brake.

How it Works

A water brake does not hold water like a traditional water heater. Instead, it serves as the method for transferring mechanical energy into the water. Water is the source of the controlled load being applied by the dynamometer. With torque being delivered by the diesel engine, water is then channeled into the water brake. As the water is accelerated between the rotor and the stator the friction creates heat, and in turn, plentiful hot water.

Depending on the horsepower of the diesel engine, the size of the dyno, and the gallon-per-minute (GPM) flow of the water through the dyno, a water brake can produce large volumes of water heated to a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Advantages & Uses of Water Brake Heating

Because a diesel engine is the power source, fuel is readily accessible at many job sites such as mining or construction where electricity or natural gas is scarce.

Another advantage is that burners or heating elements are not needed. This flameless hot water generation process can make many fire-hazardous job sites safer. The hot water created by a water brake can be used for a variety of rinsing, washing, flushing, or thawing applications. Additionally, the hot water can be used to produce radiant heat to warm people, facilities, and equipment – all without a flame or electricity. The hot water is delivered with simple plumbing or hoses.

Using a portable, trailer-able water brake for the generation of a safe, convenient, and flameless source of hot water and heat could be the ideal solution to the need for both in many industries.