Solar-supported heating networks in multi-storey residential buildings

6.4
Integration of energy storage units in buildings
The size, location and geometric shape of energy storage units have a large influence on the energy
efficiency of the overall system. To keep heat losses (see Section 9) and capital costs to a minimum,
the energy storage units should, if at all possible, consist of a single container. For energy reasons,
they should also be placed within the building if possible. This ensures that the heat losses that occur
despite the very best heat insulation are directed into the building. Because of the typical geometrical
shape of storage units for multi-storey residential buildings (see Figure 42) the usual room heights
and inside door widths are insufficient to allow a single energy storage unit to be appropriately
integrated into the building after the structure is completed.
For this reason it is necessary that:
• The exact location of the energy storage unit (a central location should be chosen to ensure
short pipe lengths) is already laid down during the planning phase. In general, this should
also take into account settling of the foundation slab in this area.
• The energy storage unit should be installed into the building in line with the progress of
construction (prior to the completion of the basement ceiling). The surfaces of the energy
storage unit should be adequately protected against damage and corrosion during
construction work.
Figure 42: Energy storage tanks in multi-storey
residential buildings have already to be integrated in
the planning phase due to their size and position
(picture source: AEE INTEC).
43
Figure 43: The energy storage tank is as
standard lowered into the foundation and
installed prior to the construction of the
basement ceiling (picture source: AEE INTEC).