Heatbank Stores

Thermal stores provide both space heating and mains pressure hot water by storing and managing heat distribution, from both traditional and renewable heat sources. As a result thermal stores are becoming increasingly popular in domestic settings.

As long as it has been designed and sized to, the thermal store can take inputs from a variety of differing technologies pellet stoves, biomass boilers, heat pumps, underfloor heating, solar water heating systems and wood burners.

HOW A THERMAL STORE WORKS

Thermal stores vary from conventional hot water cylinders in that water in the thermal store does not come out through the taps. In contrast the water going to the taps is heated by passing through a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the thermal store water to the mains water. Heat exchangers transfer heat extremely quickly a mains pressure shower can be had or a bath filled exceptionally quickly. The water in the store is also used to drive central heating, as well as heating water for taps. This allows both central heating and hot water to be run off any of the connected heat sources e g a biomass stove can be used to heat up the thermal store in the evenings and the thermal store will retain this heat to run radiators in the morning, without needing a boiler to turn on. 

THE BENEFITS OF HEATBANK

Manages the difference in time between when heat is available and when it is needed water produced by a solar water heating system during the day when the occupants are out can be stored for use in the evening when little or no solar energy is available

Provides high pressure hot water to taps and showers, allowing numerous outlets to run at the same time, with water remaining drinkable

Stored heat is used for both central heating as well as hot water, improving boiler efficiencies

Enables a renewable heating system to work more efficiently

Heating systems linked to thermal stores make the most of this by ensuring connections are placed at the point of maximum gain e.g. underfloor heating, which works at lower temperatures, would take heat from the lower part of the cylinder and heat for hot water would be taken from the top.