EnergiVault, developed by Organic Heat Exchangers (O-Hx), is a standout cold thermal energy storage (CTES) solution. It offers innovative design, smart features, and real benefits for industrial cooling, from data centres to pharmaceuticals and food production.
EnergiVault performance: rapid response and flexibility
Here’s why EnergiVault outshines other manufacturers of cold thermal batteries:
Advanced technology and efficiency
- High energy density with PCM innovation: EnergiVault uses a unique phase-change material (PCM) in the form of an ice slurry, made of tiny ice crystals (<0.1mm) coated in an organic film. This hybrid blends the strength of ice storage with the flexibility of chilled water. It stores and releases more cooling energy per unit than traditional ice banks or water tanks.
- 100% usable capacity: Unlike lithium-ion batteries that degrade, or PCM systems limited by surface area, EnergiVault gives 100% of its stored energy with no drop in output – even after 10 years.
- 25% capacity boost: New updates increased EnergiVault’s storage capacity by 25%, beating many rivals while keeping its size compact.
EnergiVault’s smart flexibility
- Instant discharge capability: It can jump from 0 to 200kWt of cooling in just two minutes. Each 1 MWht unit handles 0–500kWt modulation. This quick response is better than ice systems, which need time to melt blocks of ice.
- Scalable and modular design: Built in 1 MWht blocks, EnergiVault scales easily. It fits into existing chilled water systems and works as a standalone, a supplement, or a chiller replacement.
AI-driven optimisation
- Smart energy management: EnergiVault’s cloud-based AI charges the unit during low-cost, low-carbon times. It then discharges cooling when energy prices peak. This beats simpler systems with no real-time control, saving money and cutting carbon.
- Integration with renewables: It stores extra solar or wind power when it’s not needed, then uses it when cooling is. This makes EnergiVault more useful than storage systems that can’t adapt to renewables.
Cost and sustainability edge
- Lower operational costs: Time-of-use (ToU) savings and tariff avoidance lower energy bills. EnergiVault’s design also cuts upfront costs, giving quicker returns than many high-tech options.
- Heat recovery bonus: Most cold storage units only cool. EnergiVault also recovers waste heat – up to 100°C high-grade or 40°C low-grade – for hot water or process heating. This adds extra value.
- Eco-friendly longevity: With no drop in performance, very low energy loss (<5%), and a sustainable PCM, EnergiVault avoids the waste and mining issues of lithium batteries.
Practical advantages
- Small footprint and easy retrofit: EnergiVault’s compact, modular design takes up less space than water tanks or ice banks. It fits into running systems without major works – unlike units that need full rebuilds.
- Proven resilience: Trials at Quotient Sciences in Alnwick showed EnergiVault handling cooling during power cuts and maintenance. It’s more reliable than systems that can’t adjust to unexpected demands.
How it stacks up
- Vs. ice storage: Ice units store a lot of energy but are slow to release it and lack AI control. They also don’t recover heat, making them less flexible than EnergiVault.
- Vs. chilled water tanks: These are cheap at first but need more space, store less energy, and don’t optimise usage. EnergiVault offers more cooling power and future-proof tech.
- Vs. other CTES manufacturers: Firms like CALMAC or Trane make good systems, but EnergiVault’s slurry PCM, AI brain, and added capacity make it the better fit for tough cooling needs.
In short, EnergiVault blends PCM tech, AI-driven control, rapid response, and energy efficient design. It outperforms other systems for cost, carbon, and cooling power. For businesses needing smarter cooling, EnergiVault delivers.
