| 1 Introduction |
1.1  A Heat Bank Thermal Store is an Advanced Integrated Thermal Store providing very high flow rates of Mains Pressure Drinkable Hot Water for domestic properties. The Heat Bank Thermal Store stores Heat Energy which can be utilised to provide domestic hot water. This heat energy is retained within the Heat Bank Thermal Store by the use of 'CFC free' foam insulation. |
| 1.2 A plate heat exchanger separates the pressurised mains water from the stored water, while allowing rapid transfer of heat. While the mains water pressure can be anything from 0.5 to 5 bar, the stored water is not pressurised, allowing the Heat Bank Thermal Store to be vented to atmosphere. The mains hot water is not stored and is therefore drinkable, and removes the need for a cold water storage tank. There is no chance of the introduction of Legionnaires' Bacteria into the domestic supply. |
| 1.3 The stored water does not change. The build up of scale within the cylinder is therefore eliminated and extra system protection can be achieved by the addition of inhibitors. If required, anti-freeze may also be added. |
| 1.4 The stored water can be heated to a maximum of 90°C thereby increasing the amount of heat energy available for use, while the use of CFC Free Foam Insulation (to British Standards 699, 1566 & 4735) keeps the heat within the stored water. |
1.5 Provision of Domestic Hot Water (diagrammatic).  Using a plate heat exchanger to transfer heat, a method referred to as forced convection, provides heat transfer rates of up to 100kW (340,000 Btu/h). thereby providing mains pressure hot water at up to 30 litresper minute
|
| 1.5.1 When a hot water outlet is opened the resulting flow of water is sensed by the Flow Switch, which in turn switches on the Heat Bank Thermal Store Pump. |
| 1.5.2 The Pump draws hot stored water from the top of the Heat Bank Thermal Store and passes it through the Heat Exchanger and back into the bottom of the Heat Bank Thermal Store through a diffuser tube. This prevents turbulence within the unit, thereby increasing efficiency. |
| 1.5.3 As the stored water passes through the Heat Exchanger its heat is rapidly transferred to the Mains Water also running through the Heat Exchanger but separated from the stored water by numerous plates. |
| 1.5.4 When the hot water outlet is closed, the Flow Switch will turn off the Pump, thereby using energy only when required. |