The Technology

The working details of endothermic systems comprises five main components:

1. the energy collector/radiator (normally the roof).
2. high and low thermal stores.
3. a heat pump to extract heat from the low store and upgrade it to the high store.
4. a heat/coolth distribution system in the house.
5. a system controller.

An endothermic system works by circulating heat transfer fluid (using circulation pump A) through the aluminium planks thereby collecting energy (via solar radiation and temperature differentials). The collected energy is transferred to the high or low store as appropriate. Energy is upgraded by a heat pump when needed to "charge" the high store. In this way energy can be provided to the house for space heating (by driving circulation pump B) and hot water (via the hot water tank). The process is reversible and can be used for space cooling from the cold store using circulation pump C) and excessive energy can be radiated from the ambient surfaces when conditions are appropriate (eg, at night time). Prototype systems in buildings have been in developed and operated in the UK.

The system serves the heating and cooling distribution systems and hot water supply. Unlike passive solar collection panels which require direct sunlight, endothermic system work on temperature differences which exist both day and night and even when ambient temperatures are well below freezing.

The Company proposes to market the endothermic technology as a series of standard packages. Whilst there are a number of alternative applications, two specific markets that have been identified as targets for the medium term. These are commercial and domestic buildings. EU funding has been secured for the Endohousing project to assess the potential of the technology for domestic housing at a European level.