Thermal storage device controller

A controller for managing the activation of at least one heating element within a thermal storage device, the controller comprising:

• a. A first interface for receiving a signal from a remote network operator regarding availability of power within a electricity grid for take up by the thermal storage device;
• b. A processor configured on receipt of the signal to determine whether to switch the heating element to take up available power and to provide an activation signal in positive response of said determination;
• c. A switch in communication with the processor and configured on receipt of the activation signal to energise the heating element,
• wherein the controller is configured to:
• adjust a preset set-point of the thermal storage device, thereby allowing the thermal storage device to receive additional heating above what is required for the normal usage of the device;
• selectively energise the heating element dependent on the current status of the thermal storage device;
• monitor, on receipt of the signal from the network operator, whether activation of the heating element is required to meet the preset set-point of the thermal storage device;
• interrogate current operating parameters of the thermal storage device to ascertain whether additional heating is required to meet the set-point;
• and
• interact in a two-way signal interaction with the thermal storage device at the time of decision as to whether to energise the heating element.