Cross-seasonal thermal buffer


DEI Technology is working on an innovative solution to store and utilize the excess energy generated during the summer and autumn seasons for use in the winter when energy demand is at its highest. This solution is a seasonal thermal storage system. The buffer is typically powered by electricity, derived from sources such as solar panels on the roof of a home, and provides hot water and heating without the need for a central heating boiler, heat pump, or water heater.

The modular and scalable system can be used in individual homes, but also in larger buffers, for example for a heat network. Moreover, the thermal storage is suitable for almost all configurations to supply homes and buildings with hot tap water and heating. It can be used for households that want to be completely independent of traditional heating systems, but also in hybrid systems that operate in combination with heat pumps or central heating boilers.


The use of seasonal storage is becoming increasingly important due to the increasing volatility of the energy supply, which is caused by the growth of sustainable energy. The total supply of sustainable energy in the summer is greater than the demand, while in the winter the demand is higher. These differences pose a growing threat to the stability of the energy supply. Therefore, a seasonal storage is needed to absorb the structural difference between demand and supply over the seasons and to ensure the stability of the energy supply during long periods of calm and foggy weather.


The thermal storage is designed to be buried in the front or backyard or as a back wall of a shed or garden house. In the case of new homes, it can be added to the foundation. With this solution, a substantial contribution can be made to reducing CO2 emissions and making homes gas-free.


The thermal storage offers many advantages and features, including the ability to regulate the heat output between 30 and 95 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for very well insulated homes and even for non-insulated homes. In addition, the buffer can act as a peak shaver and load balancer for energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines, preventing the grid from becoming overloaded. This can lead to savings on the energy bill and a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Possible configurations of the thermal buffer. From left to right: standalone application, mini district heating, large district heating, and high-rise building provision.