Modelling Heat Retention
Throughout my research, ceramics has multiple times been put forward as the best material for teapot due to its superior heat retention capacities.
The table above compares the physical properties of dry clay, Pyrex glass (the type of glass used for kitchenware), aluminium, and cast iron at room temperature. These are the four most commonly used materials for teapots in Britain. Whilst a ceramics teapot would require more energy to be warmed up to brewing temperature, its thermal conductivity is significantly lower than that of other materials. This means that less heat is lost through radiation and the teapot would stay warmer for longer times in-between multiple infusions of the pot (which highlights the idea of re-brewing the loose tea leaves).
In order to test whether my teapot actually has a better heat retention capacity, than a other teapots, I conducted a series of tests using my ceramics prototype of the design and compared its heat retention performance with that of a glass teapot that Rare Tea Co. currently sells over its online shop and to some restaurants and cafes.
In order to test whether my teapot actually has a better heat retention capacity, than a other teapots, I conducted a series of tests using my ceramics prototype of the design and compared its heat retention performance with that of a glass teapot that Rare Tea Co. currently sells over its online shop and to some restaurants and cafes.
The graphs below show the change of water temperature over time in the clay prototype (left) and the glass teapot sold through Rare Tea Co (right). Measurements have been undertaken for three scenarios. The blue line depicts the water temperatures in a teapot at room temperature. The green line depicts the water temperatures in a teapot pre warmed through a previous brew. The yellow line depicts the water temperatures in a pre-warmed teapot with an additional tea cosy to avoid heat loss. The upper graphs show an initial water temperature of 90°C. The lower graphs show an initial water temperature of 70°C.
This analysis shows that the ceramics prototype outperforms the current glass model, thus indicating that Rare Tea Co. is likely to endorse my design to meet its heat retention standards.