This study focused on assessing the performance of a distributed CO2 heat pump water heating system using electric heat trace cable for temperature maintenance. This design is an alternative to the more typical central water heating plant with a recirculating loop for temperature maintenance. The theory tested is that a distributed water heating system would allow for significantly reduced distribution losses due to placing the water heaters closer to the source of demand. Furthermore, using heat trace cabling instead of a recirculating loop eliminates the required return piping; further reducing the heat loss from the distribution system.
