Meanwhile, there are hot water heaters in use everywhere. That isn't going to ch... | Hacker News

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		WalterBright on Jan 5, 2021 \| parent \| context \| favorite \| on: Gravity Energy Storage: Alternative to batteries f... Meanwhile, there are hot water heaters in use everywhere. That isn't going to change anytime soon. Besides, in many places during peak solar there isn't anyplace to dump the electricity. Electric hot water heaters can take care of that problem, as water will stay hot in one for a couple days (I know from experience).

dharmab on Jan 5, 2021 [–]

A heat pump can approach 500% efficiency and is powered by outdoor ambient air (using direct heating as a fallback).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vU9x3dFMrU

WalterBright on Jan 5, 2021 | [–]

It still uses electricity, and can be shut off during electric rate spikes, acting just like a "grid battery" without the expense.

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