Thermal Store Thermal Store
A thermal store differs from the conventional cylinders in that the water stored in the thermal store is not the same water that comes from your taps. It should be thought of as a store of heat.
Inside every thermal store is a heat exchange coil, when cold mains pressure water passes through this coil it is heated instantaneously. This heat store is typically maintained at 70 – 80°C.
Hot water can leave this coil at over 60°C. A thermostatic mixing value (factory set at 55°C but user adjustable) ensures the water is delivered at a safe temperature. The store is vented via a feed and expansion tank. Only the inside of the coil is at mains pressure. The biggest advantage of a thermal store is that it supplies hot water pressure and flow rates comparable with an unvented cylinder but without the building regulation G3 requirements.
Today most new homes have mains pressure unvented cylinders or thermal stores installed as standard.