Heat Storage: storing energy as heat
Heat storage makes it possible to store energy when it is available and use it when there is demand. It is a proven technology that is becoming increasingly important in the energy transition for industry and buildings.
What is heat storage?
Heat storage, also known as thermal energy storage, is the temporary retention of thermal energy so it can be deployed at a later time. This principle has existed for centuries, but is now rapidly gaining importance due to the growing availability of renewable energy and the need to replace fossil fuels. In heat storage, energy is stored in a medium such as water, salt, concrete, or magnetite.
There are various forms of heat storage. Short-term storage buffers heat for hours to days, for example to bridge day-night differences. Seasonal storage preserves heat from summer for use in winter. Additionally, heat storage can serve as a flexibility instrument: by charging when energy is cheap and discharging at peak prices, the energy grid is relieved and businesses save on costs.
With the PowerStove, Heatwacht has developed a heat storage system that stands out through its high storage temperature of 360°C, modular design, and use of magnetite as a storage medium. This enables the system to serve a broad range of applications, from industrial process heat to heat networks and building heating.
How does heat storage work?
Capture energy
Heat storage begins with an energy source. This can be electricity from solar or wind, waste heat from industrial processes, or low-cost power via the EPEX SPOT market. The energy is converted into heat.
Store heat in the medium
The heat is transferred to a storage medium. In the PowerStove, this is magnetite, a mineral that can contain large amounts of energy at temperatures up to 360°C. The storage is insulated to minimize losses.
Retain heat
Thanks to high-quality insulation and the thermal properties of magnetite, heat can be retained for days to weeks with minimal energy loss. The storage duration depends on the configuration.
Deliver heat on demand
When there is a need for heat, thermal oil is pumped through the storage modules. The heat is delivered as steam, hot water, or thermal oil, depending on the connected process.
Capture energy
Heat storage begins with an energy source. This can be electricity from solar or wind, waste heat from industrial processes, or low-cost power via the EPEX SPOT market. The energy is converted into heat.
Store heat in the medium
The heat is transferred to a storage medium. In the PowerStove, this is magnetite, a mineral that can contain large amounts of energy at temperatures up to 360°C. The storage is insulated to minimize losses.
Retain heat
Thanks to high-quality insulation and the thermal properties of magnetite, heat can be retained for days to weeks with minimal energy loss. The storage duration depends on the configuration.
Deliver heat on demand
When there is a need for heat, thermal oil is pumped through the storage modules. The heat is delivered as steam, hot water, or thermal oil, depending on the connected process.
Benefits of heat storage
Storing heat offers concrete advantages for businesses looking to make their energy supply more sustainable.
Heat storage applications
Storing heat is relevant for any organization with a structural heat demand.
Process industry
Heat storage provides factories with continuous process heat, regardless of the availability of renewable sources. Ideal for the food, chemical, and paper industries.
Heat networks and district heating
Heat storage serves as a buffer in heat networks, bridging the gap between production and consumption. This ensures constant delivery, even with fluctuating supply.
Healthcare facilities and hospitals
Reliable heat delivery is crucial in healthcare. A heat storage system provides 24/7 security of supply, without gas dependency and without fire hazard.
Greenhouse horticulture and agriculture
Greenhouses and agricultural businesses can use heat storage to store solar energy for heating. This lowers energy costs and structurally reduces gas dependency.
Why choose Heatwacht for heat storage?
With the PowerStove, Heatwacht delivers a proven heat storage system designed for professional applications. Modular, CE-certified, and entirely produced in Europe.
Frequently asked questions about heat storage
Heat storage is an umbrella term for storing thermal energy. Seasonal storage is a specific form in which heat from summer is preserved for use in winter. The PowerStove is primarily designed for short- to medium-term storage, from hours to weeks.
Discover the possibilities of heat storage
Curious what heat storage can mean for your organization? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists.
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