Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Thermal Batteries Boost Home Heat Pumps
Coverage from Engineeringness, ScienceNorway, and others
Articles
8
Latest Article
03/18
Active Days
74
Executive Summary
Salt-hydrate thermal batteries let home heat pumps store excess heat for later, cutting grid strain and improving comfort in European homes
- SINTEF and COWA Thermal Solutions developed a compact salt-hydrate thermal battery for residential heat pumps
- The system stores heat when electricity is cheap and releases it during higher demand
- The batteries can be up to four times smaller than traditional hot water tanks
- Recycled aluminum fins improve heat transfer inside the storage unit
- A plasma electrolytic oxidation coating protects the aluminum from corrosion
- The design aims to improve comfort, efficiency, and grid flexibility in homes and energy communities
- The work is being developed for private homes in Europe
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Coverage Timeline: 74 Days
Featured Article
SINTEF and COWA Thermal Solutions announced in 2026 the development of a compact salt-hydrate thermal battery for residential heat pumps in Europe.
Additional Articles
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In 2026, researchers from SINTEF and partners in Norway and Switzerland reported a compact salt-hydrate thermal storage system that enhances residential heat pump flexibility and grid integration.
SINTEF and COWA Thermal Solutions have introduced a salt-hydrate thermal battery for residential heat pumps, targeting cheaper, grid-friendly home heating in Europe.
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In Minnesota, the Heights development will use groundwater aquifer storage and heat pumps to heat and cool 850 homes and nearby buildings.
Fourth Power plans a 1-megawatt-hour thermal battery demonstration in Bedford, Massachusetts later this year to store excess grid electricity using thermophotovoltaic conversion.
European researchers led by SINTEF report a recycled aluminum thermal battery storing heat for homes and energy communities in Europe, enabling heat pumps to operate when electricity is available.
SINTEF Norway and COWA Thermal Solutions have developed a salt hydrate thermal storage system to enable private home heat pumps to shift heat to times of low electricity prices.
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SINTEF researchers describe a compact heat storage unit that charges on cheap electricity and releases heat on demand.