How Teratherm Surface Works
Explore the invisible energy cycle that turns your driveway into a power station, providing renewable heating without boreholes or outdoor units.
1. Triple-Energy Capture
The system harnesses three renewable sources: 1) Solar radiation from above, 2) Ambient air temperature, and 3) Stable ground heat rising from the earth. This combination maximises efficiency in all seasons.
Technical Specs
Inputs: Solar + Air + Ground
The Triple-Source Collection Process
Unlike deep boreholes that only use ground heat, our system captures energy from three distinct sources.
Solar Gain
Direct solar radiation heats the resin surface, generating up to 45 W/m² of thermal energy even on cold sunny days.
Shallow Ground Energy
Buried just 50mm deep, our pipes avoid the cost of boreholes whilst utilising the stable thermal mass of the earth.
Ambient Air Transfer
The surface area absorbs heat from the surrounding air, acting like a silent, invisible air source heat pump. No outdoor unit is required.
Seasonal System Intelligence
Surface thermal systems harvest abundant energy from whichever source is most prevalent, ensuring peak efficiency in all weather conditions.
Year-Round Heating Operation
The system harvests thermal energy from three simultaneous sources. Solar radiation warms the resin surface, while ambient air temperature exchanges heat with the shallow ground mass.
Unlike deep boreholes that rely solely on stable deep earth temperatures, surface systems harvest energy from whichever source is most abundant, achieving SCOP values above 4.0 year-round.
Winter Ice Prevention
When surface temperatures drop towards 0°C, the system can activate passive ice prevention. Waste heat from the building, normally rejected to atmosphere, circulates through the pipework.
This maintains the surface above freezing, eliminating the need for gritting, salting, or snow clearance on pathways and car parks whilst simultaneously creating a shallow thermal store.
Summer Enhanced Operation
In warmer months, the resin-bound surface absorbs significantly more solar radiation. The system harvests this enhanced energy to provide pre-heated water to the heat pump.
During peak summer, surface temperatures reach levels that require minimal uplift to achieve domestic hot water (up to 50°C), massively improving system efficiency when demand is high.
Thermal Storage & Integration
The system integrates seamlessly with thermal batteries to store excess heat collected during peak solar periods for use during peak demand or evening hours.
Powered by solar PV, the combination of electrical and thermal generation creates a closed-loop renewable energy system that functions as a large-scale environmental battery.
Teratherm Surface vs Air Source Heat Pumps
Already considering an air source heat pump? Here's why Teratherm outperforms on every metric that matters.
Technical Performance Specs
Why Choose Teratherm Surface?
Zero Boreholes
Surface Thermal works by harvesting three energy sources simultaneously. To learn more about the technical efficiency, read about our Efficiency & Performance.
Silent Operation
Unlike air source heat pumps (ASHP), our collector loops have no moving fans and make zero noise.
Heritage Friendly
Invisible installation makes it perfect for listed buildings and conservation areas.
How Surface Thermal Works FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about Teratherm Surface technology.
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