Thermal Storage Systems have grown in popularity in recent years thanks mainly due to their unique ability to deliver mains pressure hot water, incorporate multiple energy sources, whilst requiring virtually zero maintenance.

The traditional approach to Hot Water Storage solutions is where a boiler or immersion heats the stored water which is then called off by turning on the taps.

Thermal storage reverses this approach, heating the water stored in a heavily insulated cylinder. The cold mains pressure water is heated by the stored water as it passes through the high efficiency internal coil. It is then fed to the taps through a blending valve which regulates the temperature and prevents scalding.

The thermal storage approach offers a number of key benefits including:

• Provides mains pressure hot water
• Requires virtually zero maintenance
• Can incorporate a number of energy sources and therefore extremely efficient
• Easy to install and does not require G3 certification
• Virtually zero risk of Legionella as stored water not being consumed
• Can be used as part of a district heating scheme

What Can Thermal Storage Approach be Used For?

Depending on the sizing, design and energy sources, the thermal storage approach can be used for the follow applications

• Just Hot Water Supply
• Just Central Heating
• Both Hot Water Supply and Central Heating

In essence, the thermal store can become the heart of your home, controlling all of your heat and hot water needs in a highly cost effective manner.

Renewable Energy Applications and Thermal Storage

One of the major benefits of the thermal storage approach is its ability to incorporate a number of energy and renewable energy sources.
Whilst most thermal stores will include an electric immersion as standard, the technique provides a method of storing and managing any energy generated by renewable energy sources and used as required.

Typical Energy Sources for Thermal Storage Solutions include:

• Boilers
• Electric
• Oil
• LPG
• Solar
• Heat pumps
• Solid fuel such as coal
• Wood burning stoves
• Wind Turbines

The thermal storage approach is the ideal solution for using with solid fuel and biomass applications which can often provide an uncontrolled heat source which most hot water storage solutions find difficult to manage.

The thermal store can also take advantage of low cost electricity tariffs and store the energy for usage throughout the day.

By harnessing the energy in the stored water, the wood burning stove, AGA or sold fuel source can be used at its maximum output without the fear of overheating the system.

Click here to see our full range of alternative energy hot water solutions.