Company Details
Name: Sunamp
Date Founded: 2005
Sector: Software Thermal energy storage sector (energy, renewables)
Key Products/Services: Thermal batteries for hot water, heating and cooling in residential, commercial and industrial applications
Website URL: www.sunamp.com
Executive Summary
Sunamp has pioneered the development of innovative heat batteries using phase change materials (PCMs) to revolutionise thermal energy storage. These advanced batteries store and release large amounts of thermal energy through the melting and solidifying of Sunamp’s proprietary Plentigrade PCM, providing a highly efficient and sustainable solution for heating and cooling applications. Sunamp thermal storage is up to ten times more energy dense, and occupies between 65% and 90% less space than conventional systems such as hot water cylinders. The thermal batteries charge from almost any energy source including renewable energy sources such as air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps and photovoltaics (PV), as well as electricity from the grid. This means customers can make better use of renewables and in turn, benefit from improved energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions. Sunamp designs and manufactures thermal battery products in East Lothian where the global HQ, factory, research and development labs and training centre are located.
The Challenge
Heating and cooling in buildings and industry accounts for half of energy consumption worldwide and increasing renewable energy has emerged as an urgent priority for countries striving to meet climate goals and build resilient, sustainable economies. Global warming, energy security and fuel poverty are issues that can be addressed by cutting out ‘burn on demand’ fossil energy. Sunamp’s mission is to transform how heat is generated, stored and used to tackle climate change and safeguard our planet for future generations.
The Solution
Sunamp developed the first successful heat battery with integration of chemistry and engineering innovations, winning the King’s Award for innovation among many other prestigious prizes. Current Sunamp products provide heat storage for domestic hot water that are more space efficient and energy efficient than traditional hot water cylinders. Thermino heat batteries using Sunamp’s patented Plentigrade P58 materials work with solar PV, heat pumps and gas boilers to provide domestic hot water which accounts for 25% of energy consumption in homes. Sunamp’s heat batteries offer superior energy density, rapid response times, and long-lasting performance compared to traditional storage methods.
The Impact
The thermal batteries charge from renewable energy sources such as air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps and photovoltaics (PV), as well as electricity from the grid. This means customers can make better use of renewables and in turn, benefit from improved energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
So far, over 35,000 Thermino heat batteries for residential hot water have been installed and Sunamp is the world leader in its field. By integrating this cutting-edge technology into homes, businesses, and industrial processes, Sunamp is making significant strides forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions by helping to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency and alleviate fuel poverty.
Future Plans
Sunamp is now focused on geographic expansion and already has operations in Italy, China and North America. As well as further penetration of the residential market, the company is bringing forward shipping container sized Central Bank and Permafrost products for the industrial market with international support, and pursuing custom-build solutions with OEM partners.