Cameron Dolan

Mr. Cameron Dolan


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 September 2025 in Solar
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CDCameron Dolan
Cameron Dolan
RSRyan M Smith
Ryan M Smith
HTHenry Toal
Henry Toal
MWMichelle Wilber
Michelle Wilber
Domestic water heaters traditionally use natural gas or electric resistance to heat stored water. A gas water heater relies on a non-renewable resource, while an electric water heater might rely on electricity generated by a non-renewable resource. This study analyzes the performance of an electric water heater featuring a novel heating element design based on a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material powered directly by solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in a northern latitude installation. The project analyzes the operation of two different design temperatures of the PTC heating elements (50 °C, and 70 °C) when fed by three solar PV panels during the spring in the high-latitude location of Anchorage, Alaska (61.2° N). Our results show that both design temperatures of the PTC heating elements are able to achieve self-regulation at a sufficient and safe operating temperature for a domestic use case. Analysis of water heater performance directly connected to PV power showed that the PTC-equipped water heater had a limited period of heating when sufficient solar irradiance is available. Because of this, restrictive use of the water heater might be necessary during periods of non-daylight hours to preserve hot water in an insulated tank. However, this PV-to-PTC setup could be effectively used in industrial, commercial, and research settings.