ZNES – Zero Net Energy Systems
Overview & Applications
ZNES is developing a novel approach aimed at achieving true energy independence in modern buildings. Our solar thermal solutions combine power generation, heating, and cooling into a single integrated system. By leveraging advanced thermal storage and smart energy distribution, ZNES offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solar photovoltaic systems, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Key Applications:
- Residential and commercial zero net energy buildings
- Industrial heating and cooling with renewable energy
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Off-grid and grid-tied energy independence solutions
Solar Thermal Solutions
ZNES is developing innovative solar thermal technology designed to efficiently capture solar energy and convert it into electricity and thermal energy using advanced Thermodynamic Power Conversion Units (e.g., Stirling engines or organic Rankine cycle engines). Our system intelligently distributes energy based on real-time demand, optimizing heating, cooling, and storage to ensure continuous performance even in varying weather conditions.
Core Features:
- Thermal Energy Storage: Utilizing pebble bed and molten salt technologies for consistent energy supply
- On-Demand Power Generation: Sustainable electricity generation without reliance on chemical batteries for storage
- Smart Energy Management: Intelligent controls optimize energy distribution for maximum efficiency
- Grid-Tied & Off-Grid Flexibility: Suitable for various building types and locations
Zero Net Energy Building Strategy
ZNES’s strategy aims to go beyond traditional sustainability approaches by integrating our developing solar thermal technology with Passive House Standard design principles to achieve energy self-sufficiency with minimal reliance on external power sources.
Key Benefits:
- Designed to offer cost-efficient energy solutions with long-term savings potential
- Potential for significant reduction or elimination of energy bills, depending on system configuration and energy market conditions
- Enhanced property value and appeal to eco-conscious buyers
- Compliance with evolving energy regulations and sustainability standards
Grid Integration & Generation Market Participation
As ZNES progresses through its development and validation phases, we are exploring the potential for future integration into modern energy markets as both a local generation asset and a flexible energy resource. These represent potential strategic partnering and commercialization pathways that may support grid-tied and off-grid applications, enabling energy distribution based on market conditions and demand-side optimization.
Potential Strategic Partnering & Commercialization Pathways
- Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Participation
- ZNES is being developed with the goal of supporting building-integrated power generation, which could contribute to local energy resilience and grid stability where applicable.
- Future capabilities may enable participation in demand response programs, providing energy flexibility during peak loads.
- Grid-Tied Deployment & Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
- ZNES is intended to be compatible with virtual power plant (VPP) platforms, with the potential to aggregate thermal and electrical energy resources to enhance grid performance.
- Future configurations could enable peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, allowing energy users to exchange surplus energy within local networks where regulations permit.
- Potential Revenue Models
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPA): Future deployments may enable long-term energy sales agreements, potentially providing predictable revenue streams where market structures allow.
- Community Energy Aggregation (CEA): In regions where permitted, ZNES-powered buildings could collectively participate in energy markets.
- District Block Energy Systems (DBES): Future scalability could allow for localized heat and power sharing, optimizing energy efficiency at a neighborhood scale.
- Policy & Regulatory Considerations
- ZNES is being designed to align with net metering, feed-in tariff (FIT), and wholesale energy market structures where applicable, subject to regional utility policies and regulatory requirements.
- The system’s thermal-to-electric conversion capabilities may present new opportunities for policy-driven energy market participation, especially as thermal energy storage gains broader regulatory recognition.
ZNES is exploring these strategic partnering and commercialization pathways as it progresses through further development and testing. Market participation will depend on regulatory frameworks, industry partnerships, and commercial validation.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL 4)
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL 4), meaning that key subsystems have undergone early-stage validation in a controlled laboratory setting. Current research is focused on further integrating and testing critical system components, refining performance, and preparing for real-world pilot testing. Future development efforts will involve full-system validation, optimization, and scalability assessment in preparation for industry deployment. Market adoption remains subject to continued technical advancement, strategic partnerships, and regulatory alignment.
Disclaimer
ZNES is currently in the research and development phase, and the described features and applications are aspirational, subject to successful development and regulatory approvals.
University & Grant Collaborations
ZNES actively collaborates with leading universities and research institutions to drive innovation and advance the adoption of solar thermal technologies. Through strategic partnerships and grant-funded projects, we focus on technical validation, performance optimization, and scalability.
Collaboration Opportunities:
- Joint research initiatives on sustainable energy solutions
- Pilot projects for zero net energy commercial and residential applications
- Seeking grant funding to support R&D and implementation efforts
- Partnerships with government and industry leaders to accelerate market adoption
Contact
For inquiries, partnership discussions, or grant opportunities, please reach out to us through one of the channels on our Contact Us page.