Water tanks

The use of hot water tanks is one of the best known thermal energy storage technologies. The hot water tank serves the purpose of energy saving when e.g. applied to a solar tap water system and an energy supply system with cogeneration. The major aim of an electrically heated hot water tank in a tap water system is to shave the peak in electricity demand and consequently improve the efficiency of electricity supply.

A state-of-the-art research project as part of the energy storage programme has resulted in the conclusion that the water tank storage technology has become mature and reliable. The storage efficiency can be further improved by ensuring optimum stratification in the tank.