Heat networks are moving to lower temperatures, electrified diverse and intermittent heat generation sources, and tighter performance standards. Sunamp’s compact thermal storage can assist in meeting space constraints, heat generation intermittency and supply and load flexibility, peak demands and resilience requirements.
Our Plentigrade PCM stores large amounts of heat in a small footprint, enabling thermal networks to operate more efficiently and flexibly within an energy system comprising both electricity and thermal grids, with far lower carbon emissions than traditional water-based systems.
Cooling networks
The world’s requirement for cooling is increasing. According to the IEA, global energy demand for space cooling has been increasing at about 4% annually since 2000.
The Plentigrade PCM within Sunamp’s Permafrost thermal batteries helps cooling networks meet peak demand at the lowest cost by charging during off-peak periods and enabling chillers to be sized for average, not peak, load. Our ultracompact thermal storage delivers major space savings compared with traditional water based systems, making it ideal for dense urban environments where every square metre counts. Our ultra-compact thermal storage delivers major space savings compared with traditional water-based systems, making it ideal for dense urban environments where every square metre counts.
Why PCM thermal storage changes the game
Exceptional energy density in a compact footprint
Plentigrade PCM stores thermal energy at a constant temperature, delivering up to four times the energy density of water. Perfect for providing meaningful storage capacity in constrained plant rooms, retrofit or urban environments.
Stable, predictable temperatures for network control
PCM absorbs and releases heat / coolth at a fixed transition temperature, ensuring consistent flow conditions, improved delta T and reduced cycling of heat pumps and primary plant.
Low losses, long life, no degradation
Unlike water tanks, PCM storage maintains performance over tens of thousands of cycles with minimal standing losses.
Ideal for low temperature and ambient loop networks
As heat networks shift to 55°C, 45°C, or even ambient loops, PCM provides the buffering and peak shaving needed to keep systems stable without oversizing heat pumps and allow prosumer (two-way demand and generation) connection.
Shipping container sized and mini PCM thermal storage for network scale performance
Central Bank and Permafrost are Sunamp’s modular PCM storage platform designed for thermal networks. Available in shipping container volumetric size for district scale applications and mini variants for communal or building level systems, Central Bank and Permafrost provide:
- High-capacity thermal buffering
- Rapid charge/discharge for peak shaving
- Load shifting to maximise low carbon heat sources
- Integration with heat pumps,
- Integration with waste heat sources
- Integration with solar thermal, solar PV and future technologies e.g. hydrogen
- Providing electricity grid flexibility thereby reducing connection issues.
- Compact, modular installation with minimal M&E and civil works
Central Bank and Permafrost thermal batteries act as the thermal “engine room” of the network, resolving the diversity and complexity of supply and demand on modern thermal networks.
Talk to our team
Get in touch to discuss your thermal network requirements and find out more about PCM thermal storage