i-TES PCM Thermal Batteries: 4 solutions, one single technology

Energy Efficiency

More efficiency, less waste: the breakthrough of new thermal batteries

The new thermal battery designed by i-TES improves energy efficiency by uniquely leveraging a specific property of Phase Change Materials (PCM).

These are innovative thermal storage systems made with bio-based materials, which make it possible to improve energy efficiency while reducing waste in thermal applications.

i-TES batteries—proven by more than 1 MWh of already installed units and compatible with a wide range of systems—integrate various forms of heat generation: all features that help define them as the batteries of the future.

Benefits

Key features that make the difference

These solutions are designed to improve heat management and easily integrate into new or existing systems. Their key features include:

Temperature stability and more effective thermoregulation.
Reduced footprint compared to traditional storage systems.
Flexibility of use: better decoupling of thermal energy production and consumption.
Safety and low maintenance: safe materials and no moving parts, with a long life cycle.
Wide compatibility with various sources and applications (e.g., district heating, heat pumps, cogeneration, waste heat recovery).

Inside the battery

The heart of PCM technology

PCM is capable of maintaining its melting point temperature for long periods, a significant advantage over water-based storage. Consequently, regardless of water temperature fluctuations upstream of the i-6, the downstream temperature will always remain at the phase change point.
The device is designed to ensure high thermal conductivity between the PCM and the water.
For the same volume, latent heat storage—regardless of the material used—has a higher capacity than sensible heat storage, due to the intrinsic characteristics of the phase change principle.

Controller

The electronic management is simple and integrated, the battery controller sends the signal to the heat pump indicating when to start charging.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is required for loading and unloading the material, connecting the energy stored in the PCM from the source (e.g., a heat pump) to the user. Made of copper and aluminum.

PCM

The "core" of the battery. Melting temperature range between 4°C and 100°C. Organic, bio-based materials. Low environmental impact: no corrosion and no health or safety issues.

Tank

Its role is to support and contain the entire structure.

Advantages

Why choose PCM storage over water

Overall dimensions

The compact design is ideal for small spaces. Installation is quick and easy, facilitating integration with existing systems. Thanks to the intrinsic characteristics of the material, i-TES batteries can occupy half the volume of water.

Low maintenance temperatures

Unlike traditional storage tanks, the I-TES thermal battery operates at a constant maintenance temperature defined by the phase change (for example, 48°C), eliminating the need for overheating and maximising the COP of the heat pump.

Ease of management and monitoring

Managing the operating temperatures on the thermal circuit is much simpler without having to think about stratification in the tank.

Safety

Thanks to the PCM innovation, heat is stored instead of water: the battery does not require dedicated anti-legionella measures.

Storage Duration

The low intrinsic thermal conductivity of PCM acts as a natural barrier against heat loss, ensuring high heat retention even during system inactivity.

Discharge Power

Hot water is supplied immediately.

Applications

Where to use PCM storage

PCM storage is a versatile technology that can be integrated not only into businesses, industrial plants, and large facilities, but also into residential and private contexts. From homes to hospitality structures, it helps make thermal energy use more efficient and better manage production and consumption. Based on application needs, available space, and energy goals, it is possible to identify the most suitable battery: i-TES solutions are indeed designed to meet different requirements and cover multiple usage scenarios.

Instantaneous DHW production
Thermal peak shaving
Waste heat recovery
Load shifting
Solutions for distribution plant substations
High-temperature industrial solutions

"Space-saving" domestic applications
Recommended thermal battery: I-6 or I-12
Hospitality, sports centers and gyms, healthcare facilities
Recommended thermal battery: I-20 or I-40

Downsizing heat pumps for heating or domestic hot water production
Thermal battery indicated I-6, I-12, I20, I-40
Installation at district heating substations
Recommended thermal battery: I-40

Food & Beverage
Process and chemical industry
Manufacturing and craft sector
Recommended thermal battery: I-20 or I-40

Replacement of both traditional thermal storage units and electric batteries.
Recommended thermal battery: I-6, I-12, I-20, or I-40

Integrated thermal battery systems
Heat pump
Cogenerator for methane depressurization
Recommended thermal battery: I-40

Preheating of HTHP heat pumps
Recommended thermal battery: I-40

Do you want to understand which solution best fits your system?

We help you evaluate the most suitable technology based on the application, usage context, and the results you want to achieve in terms of energy efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Faq

What are PCM thermal batteries?

They are storage systems that store and release heat by utilizing Phase Change Materials (PCM), to make thermal energy available immediately when needed and with greater stability.

How do they differ from traditional water storage?

For the same usage, PCM helps achieve a more stable temperature and a more usable "useful" heat content. Furthermore, the storage system can be more compact and integrated into smaller technical spaces.

How do I choose the most suitable solution among the four?

It depends on a few factors: space constraints, consumption profile (peaks or continuity), available heat source, temperature required by the user, and main objective (efficiency, stability, peak reduction). Contact us: we will guide you step by step and help you choose the most suitable solution consciously, based on your system and your needs.

Is it a modular solution?

Yes, the approach is modular and scalable: you can start with one configuration and expand it over time based on your needs and required performance.

Does it require maintenance?

No, it is maintenance-free: it is a static solution, with no moving parts in the storage component, thus minimizing complexity and the need for maintenance.

Is PCM technology safe?

The PCMs used are selected for their stability and safety in use. The system is designed to operate in a controlled manner within the plant, using materials and components suitable for the application.

What information do you need for an initial assessment?

All we need are: the type of system, heat source, demand profile (schedules/peaks), space constraints, and your objective (efficiency, stability, decarbonization). With this data, we can already guide you toward the correct solution.

How soon can the benefits be seen?

It depends on the type of system and the usage profile (peaks, continuity, seasonality). During the analysis phase, operating data are evaluated to estimate potential improvement and properly size the solution.

Download the brochure

Discover the 4 PCM thermal battery solutions