lämmönvaraajaan

A lämmönvaraaja, or heat accumulator, is a storage tank designed to store thermal energy, typically hot water. It is a common component in heating systems, particularly those utilizing renewable energy sources like solar thermal collectors or heat pumps. The primary function of a lämmönvaraaja is to decouple the generation of heat from its consumption. This means that heat can be produced when it is abundant or at a lower cost, and then stored for later use when demand is high or when generation is limited.

These tanks are usually insulated to minimize heat loss. The stored hot water can then be used for domestic hot water needs or for space heating. In systems with solar collectors, the lämmönvaraaja stores excess heat generated during sunny periods for use at night or on cloudy days. Similarly, in heat pump systems, it can buffer heat generated during off-peak electricity hours.

The size of a lämmönvaraaja is crucial for system efficiency and depends on factors such as the heating load of the building, the capacity of the heat source, and the desired level of autonomy. Larger tanks can store more energy, providing greater flexibility and potentially reducing reliance on backup heating systems. The design of the tank can also incorporate multiple connections for different heat sources and loads, allowing for integrated system operation. In essence, a lämmönvaraaja acts as a thermal battery, enhancing the performance and efficiency of various heating solutions.