How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home with Thermal Batteries

In the era of sustainability and energy efficiency, improving the energy consumption of homes has become a priority for many. Modern technologies offer innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact and save on energy costs.

Among these solutions, the combined use of heat pumps and thermal batteries is emerging as an effective option to optimize energy use in homes.

Heat pumps (HPs) are machines that require stable environmental conditions to function optimally and reduce energy consumption. The thermal battery assists them by ensuring these conditions through two different configurations: upstream and downstream.

In this article, we will explore how the integration of these technologies can significantly improve the energy efficiency of a home, ensuring comfort and sustainability.

Upstream Configuration to Improve Energy Efficiency

During its daily operations, the heat pump is influenced by air temperature fluctuations. Thanks to the installation of upstream storage, it is possible to preheat the incoming air to optimize the machine's operating conditions and minimize energy consumption. The efficiency of the investment will increase by using the machine at its maximum performance, compared to a previously lower performance.

The difference between the COP (coefficient of performance) with and without storage highlights the improvement in performance and the resulting savings in electricity. Integrating these measures not only contributes to significant economic savings, but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing the ecological impact of daily operations. The advantages of upstream storage include:

• Preheating of incoming air
• Improvement of heat pump operating conditions
• Reduction in energy consumption
• Increase in investment efficiency
• Promotion of environmental sustainability

For example, in a house located in a climatic zone with harsh winter temperatures, the use of upstream storage can preheat the outside air before it enters the heat pump. This ensures that the heat pump always operates under optimal conditions, thereby reducing consumption and prolonging the useful life of the system.

Downstream Configuration of Heat Pumps and Thermal Storage

In the second arrangement, the tank is located downstream of the heat pump. The device is designed to meet users' needs even in the most challenging situations. During daytime hours, thermal demand tends to decrease, requiring an adjustment in the machine's operation. To minimize alternating and ineffective cycles, a thermal accumulator can be inserted in series with the hot water production system.

Through this arrangement, the heat pump constantly operates under optimal conditions, directing excess energy to the thermal battery. The main advantages include:

• Optimal operation of the heat pump
• Integration of thermal energy for domestic hot water, heating, and more
• Reduction in overall energy consumption thanks to intelligent resource management
• Increased system longevity and reliability due to reduced mechanical and thermal stress
• Better utilization of renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal, by integrating them into the system

This solution not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable resource management. Additionally, thanks to the storage capacity, it is possible to ensure a continuous supply of domestic hot water and heating even during peak demand or periods when renewable sources are unavailable.

For example, a family using a solar heating system can store the excess heat produced during sunny hours and use it during the night or on cloudy days, ensuring a continuous energy supply without relying on non-renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, integrating a thermal accumulator in series with the hot water production system represents a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable energy, capable of reliably and environmentally friendly meeting users' needs. Adopting these technologies not only promotes energy savings but also raises awareness of the importance of intelligent resource management.

Implementing these solutions in homes can lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to global environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, government incentives for adopting efficient energy technologies can make the investment even more advantageous for homeowners and businesses.
Contact us for more information and to discover how we at i-TES, in collaboration with TLC, can provide you with advanced solutions in the residential sector to optimize energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy.