Measurements have shown a maximum storage capacity of approximately 30 kWh for operation with external melting. Otherwise, a maximum storage capacity of 45 kWh is possible. In this case no liquid phase is left in the ice store. At a charging temperature of -10°C, the ice storage can be loaded with System A at a rate of 4 kW, on average (Figure 4). System B provides an average charging rate of 2.5 kW. Fluctuations at the beginning of the charging are caused by adjustment of the thermostat. Figure 5 compares the charging times of both systems at -12 and -10°C.

Figure 5 compares the charging times of System A and B at two different charging temperatures.

As expected from the different charging rate System A charges the ice store faster than System B. Charging the ice store at -10°C with System A takes 421 minutes and with System B 657 minutes. Table 1 offers an overview about all results for charging.