Graphene in the Energy Sector
The electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene make it an ideal material choice for a range of heating applications, including underfloor heating, mobile heating, and automotive interiors.
Haydale’s range of graphene conductive inks are screen printable onto to a variety of different substrates to create flexible heated graphene sheets. The ability to screen print at various sizes allows for applications in mobile heating units such as the low power hot water prototype designed and built for Cadent.
Low Power Hot Water
For energy distribution companies such as gas supplier Cadent, there is a requirement to provide other means of heating to households when their gas supply is interrupted, particularly to Priority Services Register (PSR) customers, or those in a vulnerable situation. These heating solutions can be expensive and challenging.
Cadent has been working with Haydale on next generation heating solutions to provide an alternative heat source that is easy to manage and ensures the customer experiences no, or minimal, disruption in their day to day lives.
Functionalised graphene ink, printed onto flexible heater sheets are already being used in an operational pre-product low power hot water prototype. The 3D printed portable unit can heat up to five litres of water in situ placed on a kitchen draining board or surface. Power is delivered through a rechargeable battery.
The low power flexible solution is now being considered to create an alternative radiator solution that will resemble the look of a standard radiator, so it aesthetically fits in to the home environment.
Graphene Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is an energy-efficient heating system that allows you to heat the room from the floor up for consistent, efficient warmth.
Currently customers generally have the choice of hydronic or electric systems for underfloor heating. Both systems offer savings over traditional radiators, which need to be heated to a high temperature in order to heat up a room.
Underfloor heating systems can run at much lower temperatures in order to warm the room, and given the low power required to heat graphene, choosing this material for your heating system has the potential to consume less energy.
In domestic and commercial properties graphene heaters could potentially be used on the walls and ceiling alongside the floor to provide an all-round heating solution for your room.
The application of printed graphene sheets allows the flexibility to also install the system into vehicle interiors, such as motorhomes, camper vans and for car interiors including seats, arm rests and foot wells.