Woman Warms Neighbors in Winter Blackout with Innovative Concrete Thermal Battery

VERMONT, USA, 3 July 2023 – In the midst of a severe winter blackout, one Vermont resident has turned a potential crisis into an inspiring story of resilience and innovation, using a revolutionary concrete thermal battery to keep her home and neighbors warm.

The resident, a client of the family-owned company Green Wave Distribution, employed their low-voltage radiant heating system, STEP HEAT. Unlike traditional heating methods, STEP HEAT leverages the inherent properties of concrete slabs, turning them into thermal batteries capable of storing and gradually releasing heat.

The Green Wave team, led by Operations Manager Drew Mauro, was thrilled by the news. Mauro shared, “Our client in upstate Vermont lost power for almost a week during a severe cold snap. Yet, thanks to the heat stored in her concrete slab, she was able to maintain an interior temperature of 68 degrees for over 3 days.”

The woman’s home became a warm sanctuary for her neighbors, whose conventional oil and gas systems failed to keep pace with the frigid weather. Her home, warmed by the innovative thermal battery, was the only source of comfort in the neighborhood amidst the chilling cold.

STEP HEAT operates at a mere 3-4 watts/ft², significantly less than conventional methods. This operational efficiency results in substantial energy and cost savings. Coupled with the ability to store excess heat during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower, the system optimizes heat distribution and power usage, yielding remarkable energy savings.

By tapping into the concept of thermal mass, the concrete slab, when paired with the radiant heating system, acts as a reservoir, storing excess heat during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This stored heat can then be slowly released, maintaining a comfortable and consistent indoor climate.

“Transforming concrete slabs into thermal batteries has several benefits,” Mauro added. “Beyond enhanced energy efficiency and consistent comfort, it reduces operating costs, offers durability and reliability, and optimizes space by eliminating the need for additional heating equipment.”

With an estimated 40-50% energy savings compared to traditional heating methods, this Vermont resident’s story stands as a shining example of how Green Wave Distribution’s innovative thermal battery concept can transform heating solutions and shelter communities even in the face of power outages.

ENDS