Thermal Dawn, a company based in Australia, has developed a thermal storage system designed to reduce heating and cooling costs by replacing traditional gas boilers with heat pump technology combined with thermal battery storage. The system uses phase change materials, which absorb and release energy when changing physical states, to store thermal energy during periods of low-cost electricity and discharge it during expensive peak hours.
According to founder Nick Zeniou, the technology addresses a significant portion of household energy consumption. Heating, cooling, and hot water represent the largest predictable loads in residential settings, and Thermal Dawn’s approach seeks to fulfill these needs more cost-effectively than traditional methods. The system connects to existing hydronic pipework, allowing it to work with current radiator and underfloor heating installations without requiring replacement infrastructure.
Early implementations in southern Australia demonstrate measurable results. Two pilot installations, one deployed in May 2026 and another in July 2026, generated approximately AU$1,500 in savings each during the winter period. The systems were programmed to charge during low-cost windows—midday free periods or off-peak hours—while maintaining home temperatures through stored thermal energy during expensive evening hours. Data from one Melbourne installation showed the heat pump remained inactive during 95 percent of winter evenings between 5 pm and 9 pm, with the two test homes collectively avoiding over 70,000 megajoules of gas consumption.
Zeniou positions thermal storage as complementary to home battery systems and solar installations. Rather than requiring expensive lithium batteries to manage heating loads, the thermal storage system reserves battery capacity for lighting, appliances, electric vehicles, and backup power. This approach extends battery lifespan by reducing cycling stress during winter months. The system also includes optional cooling capability through fan coil units for homes without existing cooling infrastructure, and can integrate with existing smart home controls to optimize charging and discharge cycles based on real-time electricity pricing.
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