BSRIA Application Guide AG 11/2000: HVAC Thermal Storage: Practical Application and Performance Issues

Thermal storage is used in many forms in the UK, storing energy collected from the sun, ground, air and water to partially or fully meet future heating or cooling loads.

The storage of heating and cooling energy at times when they are readily available allows a more effective matching of demand which can be achieved at a lower overall energy or financial cost than heating and cooling provision 'on demand'. Energy savings vary with system type but are particularly dependent on design and operating parameters. Each system also offers different criteria in terms of capital, operating and maintenance costs as well as available hours of operation, control and operational requirements. Some thermal storage systems have limitations regarding thennal comfort while others have practically none.