What is a thermal store?

A thermal store is a type of hot water storage system that allows for the use of various heat sources such as boilers, solar panels, or heat pumps to heat water. This versatility enables the thermal store to effectively harness and store thermal energy from these differing sources, making it a highly efficient option for managing hot water needs in residential or commercial settings.

The primary function of a thermal store is to absorb heat and then release it as needed, ensuring a consistent supply of hot water without the need for continuous heating from a single source. This capability is particularly advantageous in situations where energy sources might be intermittent or variable, like solar power, allowing for energy to be stored during peak production times and used later.

This functionality distinguishes a thermal store from systems designed solely for cooling water, which are not relevant in the context of heating. Similarly, it differs from simple cold water storage or tanks that only maintain temperatures at room level, as it specifically focuses on managing heated water efficiently.