The product
Storing heat in water in the form of tangible energy is easy, retaining this energy for a long time is another matter. Founder René Geerts developed the patented HoCoSto thermal buffer by innovatively combining existing materials and techniques.
The well-insulated storage is constructed underground, the dimensions are variable. The size of the buffer is derived from the heat demand of the building or district.
The modular spaceframe construction ensures sturdiness and multiple use of space: on top of the buffer a parking lot, lawn or playground can be constructed.
Charging the heat buffer can be done in various ways: solar collectors are the most obvious source, but one can also import residual heat. This makes it possible to sustainably reuse residual heat from cooling or industrial processes.
The HoCoSto usually functions as seasonal storage, also called STES (= seasonal thermal energy storage). It receives heat in the summer and gives it back to room and tap water systems in the winter. When heat has to be retained on a daily or weekly basis, the HoCoSto can also be used as peak buffer. Think of swimming pools, showers in sports facilities or the agricultural sector.
The HoCoSto is in a closed circuit with the source, the water in the buffer also stays there. Heat exchangers ensure the exchange of heat.
Sustainable energy source
heats buffer
up to 90°
Buffer
Supply cold
Warm before use
The system
The heat buffer is a system component. To use this component as efficiently as possible HoCoSto also designs the associated sustainable heat system and energy management system.
All advantages at a glance
- Water as an energy carrier, it couldn’t be simpler or cheaper!
- Invisible after installation, surface area available again
- Internal buffer construction enables multiple use of space
- Modular, size is balanced with heat demand
- Short installation time, no concrete structures needed
- Long life, low maintenance
- Enables gasless operation, even with MT heat demand (up to ˜70°) in existing homes
- No radical and costly interventions in the home
- Active cooling and passive heating as options, especially for new buildings!
- HT storage system (˜90°) as heart of local collective heat network
- Increase efficiency of heat pump and heat grid
- No more gas-fired peak boilers
- Solar heat as a source, but also geothermal, aquathermal and waste heat
- Can also be used as peak buffer/day buffer, whether or not combined with seasonal storage
One of the possibilities:
HoCoSto in combination
with solar collectors
for a residential area
Seasonal storage
In the summer months, the water basin is heated by solar collectors or another renewable energy source.
Sustainable energy source
Sustainable heat sources may include geothermal heat, ground energy, solar heat, waste heat from companies/factories and wind turbines.
Direct use of hot water from the solar collectors, especially in the summer months.
Solar panels
With the HoCoSto system for tap water and space heating, and solar panels on the roof for electricity, you are completely self-sufficient.
Multiple use of space
The aluminium construction makes it possible to use the land on top of the buffer. Think of a football cage, a playground or a car park.
Heat when needed
In the winter months, the houses are heated by heat from the buffer.
Sustainable energy source
Sustainable heat sources may include geothermal heat, ground energy, solar heat, waste heat from companies/factories and wind turbines.
Direct use of hot water from the solar collectors, especially in the summer months.
Solar panels
With the HoCoSto system for tap water and space heating, and solar panels on the roof for electricity, you are completely self-sufficient.
Seasonal storage
In the summer months, the water basin is heated by solar collectors or another renewable energy source.
Multiple use of space
The aluminium construction makes it possible to use the land on top of the buffer. Think of a football cage, a playground or a car park.
Heat when needed
In the winter months, the houses are heated by heat from the buffer.
