TECHNOLOGIES
THERMAL STORES

The best way to combine multiple heat sources together to utilise the global output to feed all the homes requirements is to use a Thermal Store

In a standard hot water cylinder the potable water is stored in the tank and heated up, you turn the taps on and the heated water is drawn out of the top of the cylinder and cold water fed in at the bottom to replace it - thus if you have a deep bath you can easily empty the tank of hot water and have to wait for the water to heat up again before more hot water can be used.

In a Thermal Store, the water in the tank is heated up to a higher temperature and stored and the potable water is passed through a heat exchanger coil within the store of heated water

The body of water inside the thermal store can be heated up by any heat source - so is ideal for combining all heat sources together. For example you may have a biomass boiler that forms your main heat source, and wish to combine it with a solar thermal array that will give you free heat during the day, you may have a wood burning appliance in your lounge with a back boiler on that you use occasionally, you may have an AGA or Rayburn stove which provides hot water, or you may have a gas boiler, any or all can be used to heat the thermal store (along with an electric immersion heater for back up purposes)

Thermal stores have several advantages

  • Mains pressure hot water
  • Instant heat for space heating
  • Multiple hot water outlets can be used simultaneously
  • No waiting for the tank to heat up again after someone has had a bath
  • Make the best use of all heat sources
  • They make efficient use of boilers - no boiler cycling
  • No Limescale build up in the cylinder
  • No risk of Legionella as Mains hot water is not being stored
  • Potable (drinkable) hot water

There are a couple of points that maybe disadvantages depending upon the installation

  • You need a bigger thermal store than you would have a traditional hot water cylinder
  • They are more expensive than traditional hot water cylinders

For further information call Pellgen Ltd
on 0845 409 2187