Thermal Dawn, founded by mechanical engineer Nick Zeniou, has developed a thermal storage system designed to replace gas boilers in residential buildings. The technology utilizes a reverse cycle heat pump, an insulated water tank, and phase change materials to store energy as heat or cold, which can then be distributed through existing hydronic pipes or fan coil units.
The system functions as a thermal battery, allowing homeowners to charge during off-peak or free electricity windows to avoid high costs during evening peaks. According to the company, two pilot installations in Melbourne and Warragul, operational since May and July 2026 respectively, saved homeowners approximately AU 1,500 each and avoided the consumption of 70,521 MJ of gas.
The company is currently installing its first batch of units and is developing a larger product for ducted air conditioning. While Thermal Dawn is exploring potential applications for apartment blocks, the current focus remains on domestic homes. The business operates without government subsidies, though the company notes that Victoria may introduce support for such systems by mid-2027.
The system is designed to integrate with existing home energy setups, including solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. By managing heating and cooling thermally, the technology reduces the load on standard home batteries, allowing them to be used for other appliances and EV charging. The company is actively discussing installations in Canberra.
