Frequently asked questions about Thermal Storage Finland Hybrid thermal power plant
What is a power plant’s efficiency (SCOP)?
The actual efficiency depends on a number of parameters, such as: the price of the electricity used, the consumption curve of the property and the power rating. In principle, thanks to our technical solution and our intelligent control system, we can always achieve an efficiency of 2.5-5 (SCOP) in Finnish conditions.
What makes this solution different from a conventional heat pump (IVLP) solution?
The TSF hybrid thermal power plant is literally a hybrid solution and is the main differentiator to a conventional heat pump solution (IVLP). We use heat from the sun, three different heat pump technologies, heat storage and our intelligent control system. Our solution is more like a power plant than a traditional stand-alone heat source.
What distinguishes hybrid solar collectors from conventional PV panels?
TSF’s hybrid solar collectors collect not only electrical energy but also thermal energy from the sun. The electrical energy collected by conventional solar panels represents only about 20% of the total energy produced by the sun. The rest of that energy from the sun is heat. The hybrid solar collectors used in the TSF hybrid thermal power plant collect not only the electrical energy from the sun, but also the thermal energy available from it (even in cloudy weather) with an efficiency of up to 89%. The results we have collected from Finnish conditions on solar thermal energy recovery have been astonishingly good and contribute significantly to the overall production of clean energy.
How does TSF size the designs of the plants (A, B and C) to meet the customer’s needs?
In our supply indications, we always start from the baseline data (energy consumption, energy price and electricity price) and from these we get really accurate calculations of the heating energy demand, overall efficiency, CO2 emission reductions and savings in euros produced by a hybrid thermal power plant. Unlike traditional thinking, we aim to produce as much clean heating energy as possible and thus also maximise savings on heating costs. The different models are always sized according to the needs of the property and can be seamlessly combined. The cost-effective energy production of the smallest A-model starts from an annual heating energy demand of about 400 MWh.
Can the TSF hybrid power plant be combined with other heat generation sources?
The TSF Hybrid Thermal Power Plant can be easily combined with all existing forms of heating. The connection is quick and easy for the customer and no separate planning by the customer is required. TSF manufactures the power plant in its own facilities and delivers it to the customer’s site ready for installation. At the installation site itself, in practice only the installation of the hybrid turbine collectors and the connection of the plant to the existing heating system or, alternatively, its replacement is carried out. No modifications to the building itself or its automation are required for the TSF hybrid thermal power plant.
Does a TSF hybrid thermal power plant need to replace all the energy a property needs?
No need. The TSF hybrid heat plant can also replace only the desired share of the current heating energy demand. Our calculations provide the optimal solution for all our customers.
What is the economic lifetime and warranty of a TSF hybrid thermal power plant?
The economic lifetime of a TSF hybrid thermal power plant is 25 years. The TSF solution incorporates different technologies operating under different loads and all critical components are also replaceable, so in practice the economic lifetime is more than the 25 years we promised. We also offer all our customers a hassle-free service and maintenance agreement, which ensures hassle-free and worry-free ownership for customers across all financing solutions. The standard warranty period for a TSF hybrid thermal power plant is 5 years for the main components and 10 years for the solar collectors.
Is the TSF hybrid thermal power plant always completely CO2-free?
Yes, the heating energy produced by a TSF hybrid thermal power plant is always CO2-free. As the electrical energy used to generate the power plant is emission-free, the total heating energy is completely CO2-free. The situation in Finland is currently very good as regards the cleanliness of electricity, because whether the customer buys CO2-free electricity or not, the average CO2-free electricity produced in Finland and purchased from abroad is more than 90% CO2-free.
Is TSF hybrid thermal power suitable for all properties?
Yes, the TSF hybrid thermal power plant is suitable for all properties with a water heating system and a heat energy demand of at least 400 MWh per year. In some cases, where the heating energy is produced for example with oil, it is possible to have a TSF hybrid thermal power plant cost-effectively even with an annual consumption of less than 400 MWh.
How does the TSF hybrid thermal power plant work from a security of supply perspective?
Thanks to its portability, the TSF hybrid thermal power plant is also an excellent heating solution from the point of view of security of supply. The electricity used by the power plant can also be temporarily generated from an external source and is not directly dependent on the functioning of the electricity grid.
Can a TSF hybrid heat and power plant save on current heating costs?
Yes, almost without exception, a TSF hybrid heat and power plant will deliver cost savings on heating energy. The wide range of financing solutions also brings flexibility to the purchase of the plant.
What are the financing solutions for the purchase of a TSF hybrid thermal power plant?
TSF offers its customers a flexible service contract, where the customer gets a power plant at a fixed monthly price. In addition to traditional direct sales, we also offer our customers a financial leasing solution.
What is the benefit for the customer of a TSF service contract?
The TSF service contract is hassle-free and risk-free for the customer. The main benefit of the service contract is a fast and very easy transition to clean heating energy without any initial investment. The fixed monthly price of the service contract always includes service and maintenance, as well as continuous system optimisation.
What is the delivery time for a TSF hybrid thermal power plant?
The time from order to delivery is very fast for a project of this size. We promise a delivery time of 8-14 weeks, depending on the model of the power plant, which is definitely one of the fastest in the market. .