ThermoVault™ Contractor & Commercial Partner Information

Quick Answer:

ThermoVault is a patented thermal energy storage system embedded into

your building’s foundation, turning it into a thermal battery that stores

renewable energy as heat or cold. The patented technology enables the

transfer of thermal fluids between heat storage units, ensuring optimal heat

distribution and retention throughout the foundation. This design not only

maximizes energy efficiency but also aligns with the 30% federal tax credit

under the Inflation Reduction Act, helping lower your carbon footprint while

reducing energy costs.

Quick Answer:

ThermoVault’s patented design integrates the entire foundation into a

thermal energy storage system, making it a critical component of the

energy-saving technology. The full cost of the foundation—including

excavation, HVAC, controls, and materials—is designed to be eligible for

the federal tax credit under IRS guidelines.

Detailed Explanation:

ThermoVault Storage Foundation transforms your building’s foundation into

a powerful thermal energy storage medium. This patented innovation

makes the foundation itself a central part of the system, enabling it to store

and distribute thermal energy efficiently. Unlike standalone energy storage systems, ThermoVault seamlessly integrates into the structural foundation,

ensuring that it is both functional and energy-efficient.

Here’s why the entire foundation qualifies under IRS guidelines:

1. Energy Storage Integration:

○ The IRS allows tax credits for energy storage systems that

meet capacity requirements (3 kWh for residential systems, 5

kWh for commercial systems). ThermoVault’s foundation-based

design stores energy directly within materials like concrete,

CLSM, or sand, ensuring that the foundation is a functional part

of the system.

○ Since the foundation acts as the primary thermal storage

medium, all associated costs are considered essential to the

system’s functionality.

2. IRS-Eligible Expenses:

○ The IRS explicitly allows tax credits for the entire cost of

qualifying systems, including all materials and labor required for installation. For ThermoVault, this includes:

■ Excavation: Preparing the site for the foundation.

■ Foundation Costs: Materials such as concrete, CLSM, or

sand.

■ HVAC Integration: Connecting the system to heating and

cooling infrastructure.

■ Controls and Automation: Systems that regulate

thermal energy distribution.

■ Engineering and Installation: Labor and design costs

associated with integrating ThermoVault.

3. Patented Design Advantage:

○ ThermoVault’s patented design is specifically engineered to

align with IRS criteria for energy storage tax credits. By

integrating the entire foundation into the system, ThermoVault

maximizes the eligible expenses for the 30% federal tax credit,

reducing upfront costs for homeowners and businesses.

How Does This Benefit You?

By including excavation, HVAC, controls, materials, and labor in the tax

credit calculation, ThermoVault makes energy storage more affordable and

accessible. For example, if your total foundation cost is $60,000, you could

receive an $18,000 tax credit (30% of $60,000), significantly lowering the

overall cost of your project.

ThermoVault’s comprehensive approach ensures that you’re not only

investing in cutting-edge energy storage but also maximizing the financial

benefits available under current federal tax incentives.

There are many ways to build a foundation to qualify for the tax credit. Essentially, the

foundation must include systems that efficiently store and transfer thermal energy.

Here’s a straightforward approach:

1. Include at Least Two Thermal Storage Areas:

● A qualifying foundation must have at least two distinct thermal storage

zones. These zones enable energy to be stored in one area and

transferred to another for heating or cooling purposes.

2. Use the Concrete Floor as One Thermal Storage Zone:

● The concrete floor of the foundation can serve as a primary thermal

storage area. By integrating PEX tubing or similar conduits within the

concrete, heat energy can be stored and distributed efficiently.

3. Incorporate Advanced Thermal Storage Systems:

● Systems like the Thermal Energy Storage Foundation (TESF), which

utilizes layered materials and controlled low-strength material (CLSM), can

optimize heat storage and transfer. TESF systems integrate seamlessly

with renewable energy sources like solar thermal collectors or air-to-water

heat pumps, maximizing energy efficiency.

4. Ensure Proper Insulation and Zoning:

● Thermal storage areas should be well-insulated to minimize heat loss.

Horizontal insulation layers or cellular concrete can enhance efficiency by

maintaining stable temperatures in each storage zone.

5. Facilitate Energy Transfer Between Zones:

● The foundation must include a mechanism for transferring thermal energy

between zones. This is typically achieved through hydronic systems (PEX

tubing filled with heating-energy-transfer fluid) or other fluid-based

conduits that allow heat to flow efficiently between the thermal storage

areas.

There are several types of advanced controllers available that can manage the transfer

of heat or cooling fluids between zones as needed. Here’s how these systems work:

● Use a Versatile Controller:

A controller like the RESOL DeltaSol MX is an excellent example of such a

system. It can accommodate up to 36 temperature sensors, humidity sensors,

flow meters, and other inputs. These sensors gather real-time data, allowing the

controller to make precise decisions about where and when to move thermal

energy.

● Integrate Relays and Programmable Logic:

With built-in relays and programmable logic, the controller directs fluid to the

appropriate zones based on the conditions it is configured to manage. For

example, it can transfer excess heat from one storage zone to another or deliver

it to specific areas of a building that require heating or cooling.

● Maximize Efficiency and Adaptability:

Such controllers are versatile and adaptable, ensuring efficient energy use and

maximizing the effectiveness of the thermal storage and distribution system.

Quick Answer:

ThermoVault offers unmatched efficiency, flexibility with materials, and

dual-purpose functionality as both energy storage and structural

foundation.

Detailed Explanation:

ThermoVault Storage Foundation (TESF) is a groundbreaking thermal

energy storage system that integrates directly into your building’s

foundation. Here’s why it stands out from other systems:

1. Dual-Purpose Design:

Unlike standalone thermal storage systems, ThermoVault leverages

your foundation itself as the energy storage medium. This

dual-purpose design means ThermoVault not only supports the

structure of your building but also stores thermal energy to power

heating and cooling systems.

2. Unmatched Efficiency:

ThermoVault is engineered to store up to 20 kWh of energy per

cubic yard of Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM). This

thermal capacity ensures reliable energy storage and distribution for

extended periods, with custom designs allowing energy storage for

weeks at a time.

3. Advanced Automation:

ThermoVault’s built-in automation technology manages the transfer of

heat or cooling between zones within the building. For example:

○ Heat stored in one part of the foundation during the day can be

distributed to colder zones at night.

○ Cooling energy can be transferred to high-use areas during

peak hours, ensuring comfort and efficiency.

4. Flexibility with Materials:

ThermoVault adapts to a variety of materials, including:

○ Concrete: Durable and widely available.

○ CLSM: Optimized for thermal storage with self-compacting

properties.

○ Sand: Cost-effective for traditional thermal energy systems.

5. Environmental Impact:

By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and optimizing renewable energy

use, ThermoVault contributes to a sustainable future. It stores excess

renewable energy during off-peak times, ensuring nothing is wasted

and reducing overall energy demand.

6. Cost Savings:

ThermoVault reduces heating and cooling expenses by storing

energy efficiently and redistributing it when needed. Combined with

eligibility for the 30% federal tax credit, ThermoVault becomes a

cost-effective solution for homeowners and businesses alike.

7. Longevity:

ThermoVault is built to last a lifetime, using durable materials that

require minimal maintenance. Its design eliminates the need for

frequent replacements, unlike some standalone energy storage

systems.

Comparison with Traditional Systems:

Traditional thermal energy storage systems often require standalone

equipment and separate infrastructure, adding complexity and cost.

ThermoVault simplifies this process by integrating energy storage directly

into the foundation, saving space, reducing upfront costs, and providing

superior thermal storage capabilities