Lämpöakkuja

Lämpöakkuja, or thermal batteries, are devices designed to store thermal energy. They capture heat generated at one time for use at a later time, effectively acting as a reservoir for heat. This stored heat can then be released to warm spaces or provide hot water when needed.

The fundamental principle behind most lämpöakkuja involves a medium that can absorb and release significant amounts of heat. Common storage mediums include water, molten salts, or phase-change materials. Water-based thermal batteries are perhaps the most common, storing heat by raising the temperature of water in an insulated tank. Phase-change materials offer a more compact solution as they store latent heat during a phase transition, such as melting or solidifying, at a relatively constant temperature.

Lämpöakkuja find application in various heating systems, including those powered by solar thermal collectors, heat pumps, or even excess industrial heat. They are particularly useful for decoupling heat generation from heat demand, allowing for efficient use of intermittent energy sources. For instance, solar thermal systems can store solar energy collected during the day for use at night.

The efficiency of a lämpöakkuja is largely determined by the effectiveness of its insulation, which minimizes heat loss to the surroundings, and the properties of the storage medium. Proper sizing and integration with the heating system are crucial for optimal performance. Lämpöakkuja contribute to energy savings and reduced reliance on fossil fuels by enabling more effective utilization of available heat.