Fakhruddin CHS Unveils Thermal Bank to Advance UAE’s Sustainability and Food Security Goals

What Is the Thermal Bank?

Fakhruddin CHS, a pioneer in sustainable engineering solutions, has introduced its proprietary Thermal Bank, a revolutionary thermal energy storage system designed to support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050, Circular Economy Policy (2021–2031), and National Food Security Strategy 2051.

The system uses a patented phase change material (PCM) that stores and releases thermal energy by alternating between solid and liquid states. It operates through two circuits:

• Glycol-based loop: -5°C to 0°C
• Water-based loop: 10°C to 50°C

These circuits deliver high-efficiency energy exchange via plate heat exchangers, minimizing the need for continuous mechanical cooling.

Use Case: Boosting Food Security at Maliha Dairy

The Thermal Bank’s first deployment took place at Maliha Dairy, where maintaining cow drinking water at a steady 15°C is crucial for milk quality and livestock health. Given the UAE’s extreme desert climate and fluctuating energy demands, the solution needed to be both adaptive and energy-efficient.

Dr. Samiullah Khan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Fakhruddin Holdings, explained:

“Cows don’t drink at the same time, and temperatures swing drastically. We needed a system that adapts, saves energy, and guarantees 15°C water year-round.”

Using a dual-mode chiller and smart controls, the Thermal Bank stores energy at night and cools during the day, cutting required cooling capacity from 1050 TR to just 650 TR—a 38% reduction.

Results:

• 💡 Cooling Load Reduction: 400 TR
• ⚡ Installed Power Savings: 800 kW
• 💰 Energy Cost Savings: 30–35% annually
• 🏗 CapEx Optimization: Reduced infrastructure needs

Supporting the UAE’s Sustainability Vision

UAE Net Zero 2050

• Buildings and cooling account for 40%+ of national energy use.
• Thermal Banks lower HVAC demand, reduce emissions, and support passive cooling strategies.

Circular Economy Policy (2021–2031)

• Encourages reuse and closed-loop systems.
• Thermal Bank reuses stored energy, cuts fossil-fuel dependency, and promotes sustainability in agriculture and hospitality.

UAE Energy Strategy 2050

• Aims for 40% improved energy efficiency and 50% clean energy by 2050.
• Thermal Banks shift load to off-peak hours, easing grid pressure and supporting renewable integration.

Strengthening the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051

The Thermal Bank plays a pivotal role in enhancing domestic food resilience by:

• Maintaining consistent water temperatures to support milk production
• Reducing operational costs in local agriculture
• Ensuring stable food output amid climate and energy challenges

“Our work goes beyond energy savings. It’s about building climate-resilient food systems,” Dr. Khan said.

Scalable Applications Across Industries

Thermal Bank systems are ideal for:

• Hotels and Resorts – Meeting Dubai Green Building and DTCM green hotel standards
• Shopping Malls – Reducing daytime cooling load
• Smart Cities – Perfect for eco-projects like Masdar City or Expo City Dubai
• Hospitals & Data Centers – Where cooling reliability is non-negotiable

R&D and Innovation in Climate Tech

Fakhruddin CHS is collaborating with universities to develop cutting-edge solutions in:

• AI-powered thermal optimization
• Smart Air Handling Units (SAHU)
• Greywater and solar thermal storage
• Urban heat mitigation
• Geothermal and hybrid PV systems

“Innovation is our response to climate change. Whether it’s air, water, or energy—we build scalable solutions,” Dr. Khan emphasized.