A new commercial storage 200,000 Btu/h (58,600 W) water heater has been developed using the unique fiber matrix radiant burner technology. With the cylindrical burner firing vertically inside a submerged combustion tube, the noncondensing unit has a thermal efficiency of over 84%, which is the maximum efficiency possible to remain compatible with conventional venting installations. The fiber matrix burner provides for low NOx and CO emissions and uniformly distributed heat transfer for potentially longer tank life.

Design criteria and developmental issues and solutions are presented in addition to an update from the ongoing field test program.

Units: Dual