Thermogeist solves the challenge of energy storage by accumulating heat in thick-walled ceramic tubes ingeniously arranged inside an insulated structure called a Thermal Tower. The tower stores both high grade heat (450–750°C) and moderate grade heat (150–400°C). Its design has no precedent.

Thermogeist’s wind and solar energy-harvesting components send heated air to the inner surfaces of the ceramic tubes in the Tower, thus replenishing the heat stored in the tube walls.

The stored heat provides a reservoir of energy to meet demand despite the fluctuating availability of wind and solar energy.

If wind and solar energy are unavailable for prolonged periods, the Tower is ‘recharged’ by firing a range of carbon-neutral gaseous, liquid or solid fuels in a furnace.

The Thermal Tower’s substantial energy storage capacity means that access to unreliable national grids or costly and toxic batteries is unnecessary.

To make the best use of available resources in any location, Thermogeist harvests energy in three ways – using a Solar Concentrator, Wind Wheels and a Multifuel Furnace.

Each installation can be customised to local conditions and local needs.

For more information on Thermogeist’s energy harvesting equipment, please click below.

When it comes to supplying energy, Thermogeist exploits the fact that heat, rather than electricity, is the main form of energy needed by most domestic and small agricultural or industrial users.

Air streams of various temperatures can be drawn from the Thermal Tower to power bespoke appliances for heating water, cooking, home heating etc.

One of these air streams, drawn from the region between the ceramic tubes, also acts as the working fluid for a simple heat engine that provides mechanical energy and electricity. This stream draws heat from the outside surfaces of the ceramic tubes.

Supplying energy close to both the type and grade of energy required by end-use devices means that Thermogeist is significantly more energy efficient than comparable electricity-based systems.

Thermogeist provides

• Heat for operations such as washing, drying, dyeing, food processing.
• Mechanical energy for activities such as threshing, milling, mixing, small-scale fabrication, restoration and repairs.
• Electricity for lighting and digital devices.

This makes the system ideal for compact communities of around 100 people with an average per capita consumption of 5 to 6 kWh per day