Can a buffer tank still provide heat without the boiler/heat pump working?

[GregKaye]

Same issue and I'd really appreciate the help.

In a system like this, or something else you can suggest, how would the buffer tank be enabled to provide its stored heat without the boiler/heat pump consuming energy to create heat?
Please advise.
Thanks.

 

[king of pipes]

It cant the boiler needs to fire to raise the temperature in the buffer tank once the temperature drops, some form of renewable energy incorporated may reduce running costs but will raise the install cost. Kop

 

[GregKaye]

Thank you. If the boiler is not firing, how would the heat in the buffer tank drop? Would the water still be moved into the cylinder and rads?

In this cropped image would the pump pushing away from the buffer tank continue to work if the heat source (boiler/heat pump) was switched off?

 

[Sparkgap]

If the tank is already hot there's no problem, the pump will just draw hot water around the system until the tank is depleted.
My suggestion for controls would be to have the boiler controlled through a cylinder stat about halfway down the buffer tank, that way the boiler will not short cycle and will work more efficiently.

 

[king of pipes]

Why would you just heat the buffer up and switch everything off ? the temperature in the buffer will loose a few degrees a day it really depends how good the insulation on the buffer is. Kop