Dimplex takes storage heating to a new level
An electric space- and water-heating system that can be activated by the electricity supplier to store heat or heat water has been developed by Dimplex in conjunction with energy supplier SSE. Called the Quantum Energy System, it is said to offer homes all the benefits of electric heating with costs comparable to gas. The system has been purpose designed to enable low-cost, zero-carbon energy from renewable sources to be stored as heat ready for use when it is needed as highly controllable electric space and water heating.
The system was formally launched at Ecobuild, and our picture shows Stuart Mackenzie, Dimplex’s managing director (left) and Ian Marchant, chef executive of SSE. It consists of three elements.
The first is the Quantum ultra-efficient electric heater — an electronically controlled ‘smart’ electric storage heater.
Next is a self-learning adaptive smart energy-storage water vessel.
Third is the Quantum Hub, an intelligent and completely automatic system manager which facilitates the bi-directional communication between the Quantum appliances and the energy-supply utility.
The Quantum storage heater is designed to retain over half its heat 24 h after the initial charge using very efficient thermal insulation. These heaters also have dynamic storage capacity that automatically adjusts input and output to user requirements, so they can match a user-set room temperature over a 24 h period as closely as a conventional panel convector heater.
The Quantum cylinder provides mains-pressure hot water and is available in vented or unvented models.
The Quantum Hub connects heaters and cylinders to a permanently live electrical circuit. It works seamlessly with the grid to ensure that charge is only taken during the off-peak period.
