Hot water tank and Thermal Store difference?

[samdyson]

Could any kind hearted person please explain to me what is the difference between a normal hot water tank and a thermal store? I have been hearing about them but cannot understand the difference! Are they more efficient ?

Thank you so much for reading my post and I look forward to your replies.

 

[oilhead]

A 'normal ' hot water cylinder stores secondary water; i.e that which comes out of your taps. This is heated by primary water from your boiler through a coil inside your cylinder.
A thermal store holds primary water from your boiler, and this is circulated through the heating system, either radiators or under floor, by pumps. Your secondary water is produced via a heat exchanger within the thermal store.
This explanation is probably as clear as mud, which is what usually collects in the bottom of your thermal store.

 

[mysteryman]

And the great disadvantage of a thermal store is that it has to be kept really hot for when hot water is wanted, that is, at a higher temp so that heat transfer can take place. This can be wastefully hot when central heating is used. It is better to store hot water at the temperature of use, and heat central heating water as and when required. Naturally, this is best with weather compensated control.