iceenergy, a leader in distributed thermal energy storage solutions, has introduced the icecub, a new cooling and heating solution for homes that incorporates integrated energy storage to optimize solar photovoltaic systems.

the icecub is a new energy storage technology for hvac units. (iceenergy)

the icecub is an hvac system with a high-efficiency compressor and an ice tank with a heat exchanger. the compressor can work like a conventional air conditioner to cool the home or it can store energy by freezing water in the ice tank. the ice battery can provide up to four hours of cooling without using electricity, according to a report on pennenergy.com. when the home needs to be heated, the circuit reverses and the compressor acts as a heat pump.

the technology works with homes that utilize solar power. after four hours of charging, the icecub can use solar over-generation to fully charge without taking from the grid. it can also charge at night to provide cooling in the morning when solar power is not yet available.

"the ice cub is a truly disruptive consumer hvac solution," said mike hopkins, ceo of ice energy. "it will change the way people think about cooling and heating, and how they consider energy storage for their home. it enables homeowners to take charge and save on their utility bill, get the most from their solar pv, and reduce co2 emissions by up to 1,000 pounds per year."

the product finished testing in october and will be available for purchase in early 2017.

the icecub is one of several important energy storage projects that have been deployed in recent months, according to a story on theenergycollective.com that calls 2016 the “best year ever” for energy storage technology.

in addition to the icecub, the article noted a battery storage project in hawaii that includes the popular wet’n’wild water park in honolulu that will help eliminate the energy spike that that park sees during its peak usage in the middle of the day. in addition, as highlighted on coolingzone, siemens is working on new technology to optimize the collection of win energy.