Our product
Prototype
Our first prototype consists of a steel box filled with salt and a copper pipe running through it. The salt is heated to between 100 and 150°C. This setup demonstrates that salt can store energy as heat and transfer that heat to water flowing through the pipe.
​We will demonstrate this prototype during an event at Fontys on the 2nd of December.
First version
The image on the left shows the finished version of our prototype. It is made from 5 mm thick steel and can hold up to 12 liters of salt. This version is equipped with a thermometer, handles, and a copper pipe.
In the final product, the system will include both a thermometer and a sensor. Once the salt reaches its melting point, the sensor will automatically switch off the heater.
Thermo battery
Our product focuses on a compact salt based heat battery that stores excess solar energy as heat instead of electricity. During the day, solar panels power an electric heater that warms up the salt. This hot salt then works as a thermal battery: in the evening, cold water flows through a copper pipe inside the box, absorbs the stored heat and comes out as hot water for heating or taps. Also steam is being generated this steam will power a dynamo and the dynamo will generate electricity. In this way, we help households use more of their own solar energy, reduce gas consumption, and make home heating more sustainable.