Thermal energy storage eSTÓR – better heating for a better tomorrow

While much of the emphasis on the current drive towards electrification and the use of renewables in heating and DHW is on the heat source, there is a growing awareness that thermal energy storage is now more critical still. It is against this background that Unitherm Heating Systems, working closely with a leading American expert in the field, has developed eSTÓR.

eSTÓR comprises a range of modular phase change material (PCM)-based heat batteries that store thermal energy for use in domestic hot water and space heating applications. In an industry first, eSTÓR units are powered by a smart PCM (Bio-PCM) that is precisely tuned to work with heat pump technologies, and equipped with an intelligent integrated back-up heater system that supports direct connection with PV systems.

Future of hot water storage

Conventional steel hot water tanks are produced using energy-intensive processes (mining and the processing of raw materials at high temperatures), and they suffer from high standby heat losses. This all contributes to wasteful carbon emissions.

In contrast, eSTÓR heat batteries are conscientiously designed to be produced in a manner that reduces carbon emissions in both the manufacturing process and with regard to transportation. This contributes to the circular economy, aids water conservation, yet still delivers copious amounts of instantaneous hot water.

Sustainable and renewable

Using only Bio-PCM, eSTÓR heat batteries have sustainability at their core. Bio-PCM, sourced locally from

100% renewable resources, is a high energy density, non-toxic and biodegradable smart material, providing a local source for local solutions to home energy needs.

Utilising the increased energy density of Bio-PCM, eSTÓR heat batteries store more thermal energy in a smaller overall volume. This results in a more compact system design with a greatly-reduced external surface area through which heat energy can be lost. This more compact size, coupled with the highly-insulated tank and the self-insulating properties of the Bio-PCM, results in extremely low standby losses, providing unrivalled long-term energy storage with reduced energy wastage.

Grid stabilisation

In addition, eSTÓR’s exceptional energy retention performance and its high energy density provide the national grid and utility providers with a demand response/load shifting option for “time of use” planning. This supports stabilisation, while also offering homeowners the ability to store heat energy during lowercost, off-peak times for use when needed, thereby maintaining thermal comfort at all times.

“Designed today for tomorrow’s homes,” says Declan Kissane, Director, Unitherm Heating Systems, “eSTÓR is a pioneering technology that has already been lauded, having recently been highly-commended in the Innovation Category of the SEAI Energy Show Product of the Show Awards. It is also a responsible technology contribution designed to help achieve the global objective of building a cleaner, more sustainable and safer planet for future generations to come.”

Contact: Unitherm Heating Systems. Dublin – T: 01 610 9153; Cork – T: 021 441 4010; Galway – T: 091 380 038;

E: info@unithermhs.ie;

W: unithermhs.ie