Element(al) theory for 120v systems

[stamandster]

I'm curious if for those that are stuck with 120v system if having two 120v elements (obviously taking turns energizing the elements) would increase temperature quicker than a single element.

I was thinking that maybe the residual temperature (twice right?) of the metal would continue to heat momentarily. Perhaps the larger the 120v element the better, for instance a ULWD 5500w at 120v.

I don't know if I'm barking up the wrong tree, or not a tree all together, but thought I should throw the idea out there. If i'm not thinking about this correctly, just call me an idiot . Not sure if it's been discussed before either, so don't shoot me

 

[horseinmay]

From a thermodynamics standpoint, using two elements (1 at a time) will not heat your water quicker.
I am stuck with a 20A 120V service, and considering adding an element to my HLT, and constructing a RIMS tube. I would set it up so that only one could be hot at a time, but having both would save time, and allow me to do more things with my rig.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I use 2 separate 20 amp 120v circuits to power my 2000 watt elements.

There are two elements in the HLT and two heatsticks in the BK. I don't need the HLT and the BK to be heating at the same time, so it works fine.

 

[Walker]

I was thinking that maybe the residual temperature (twice right?) of the metal would continue to heat momentarily.

With a heating element immersed in liquid, the heat transfer from the element to the liquid is pretty much instantaneous. there will be no "residual heat" in the element after you turn the electricity off.

 

[audger]

+1 to the others. it doesnt matter if you have two 1000w elements, one 2000w element, two 2000w elements running at 50% duty cycle... its all the same amount of total power, and will heat your water by the same total amount of degrees.