Haydale has announced it is working with City Energy Network Limited and Plumbase Limited on developing and distributing its graphene underfloor heating ("UFH").
The ink heater technology applied to clothing worn by British athletes at the Tokyo Games has been applied in an initial prototype for domestic UFH with the potential to replace gas central heating and link into other energy efficient technologies.
The development, which is being supported by City Energy, will produce a further prototype that will lead towards a market-ready CE product that can be tested in a home environment. When fully certified, Plumbase, the UK's largest local plumbing supplier, intends to distribute the product through their nationwide branches with installation through City Energy's installer network.
With the UK commitment to reducing emissions to net zero by 2050 and the likely ban on domestic gas boilers in new homes in two years' time, Haydale sees graphene UFH as an energy efficient way to heat homes.
The UFH panels generate heat using Haydale's printed functionalized graphene ink at low power (12v battery). The heaters can be printed into different shapes and sizes, are easy to install and are compatible with all modern construction materials.
Unlike infra-red and wired heating systems, Haydale's graphene UFH system is designed to be a convector heater, which heats the air and room through thermal convection rather than the body in the case of infrared heaters.
Commenting on the project, Haydale CEO Keith Broadbent, said: "Haydale has been working closely with City Energy to look at new technologies aimed at net zero. I am pleased we can now announce that together we are taking our graphene underfloor heating to the next stage and with Plumbase supporting there is a potential to distribute the technology when it is market ready as an energy efficient heating solution for domestic and commercial properties."
Commenting jointly on the exciting project, City Energy National Business Director and Haydale Non-Executive Director Ryan Howard, and Plumbase Sales Development Director Danny Taylor added: "We're very pleased to be supporting such an important and exciting project in times when energy prices are so high. Our decision to develop the product further and bring in our partners to take it into the property sector was an easy one given our current aim is to reduce energy bills for those in fuel poverty and significantly help those in need."