Frequently Asked Questions
A quick reference to common questions about our Thermal Energy Storage system. If you still have questions that we have not addressed, please reach out to us.
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1. WHAT IS THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE (TES)?
TES is the storing of excess thermal energy (energy in a system due to its temperature) for future use.
2. HOW DOES YOUR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WORK?
The Viking Cold TES system leverages existing refrigeration equipment in low-temperature facilities to freeze Phase Change Material (PCM) when energy costs are lower and system efficiencies can be exploited. This allows intelligent controls to turn off refrigeration equipment during periods of high energy costs while the PCM maintains temperature stability and low energy consumption. The result is 20% to 35% lower energy costs, 38% greater temperature stability and more efficient, longer lasting refrigeration systems.
3. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VIKING COLD SOLUTIONS TES SYSTEM?
Our Thermal Energy Storage system includes three components:
  • Phase Change Material (PCM)
  • Control System
  • Remote Monitoring & Reporting Portal
4. WHAT IS A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL (PCM)?
Phase Change Materials (PCM) store and release energy when they transition between their solid and liquid states. While changing phases our engineered PCM absorbs 300 times more heat than food.
5. IS YOUR PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL SAFE TO USE?
All our PCM formulations are comprised of deionized water and inorganic salts. They are food safe, environmentally friendly, non-toxic and non-combustible. The entire system is also 100% recyclable.
6. ARE THERE ANY MECHANICAL PARTS IN YOUR TES SYSTEM?
No. There are no mechanical parts (pumps, motors, actuators, compressors, etc.) in our TES system. They leverage existing refrigeration equipment. The PCM is housed in self-contained cells mounted in stationary positions throughout the facility.
7. WITH WHICH REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS DOES YOUR TES SYSTEM WORK?
Our solution is refrigeration system agnostic and works with any properly maintained system.
8. WITH WHICH CONTROL SYSTEMS DOES YOUR TES SYSTEM WORK?
Our TES system is extremely flexible and can be integrated with any existing control system. We also have our own control system that can drive the refrigeration system in conjunction with our PCM.
9. DOES THE VIKING COLD TES SYSTEM AFFECT OTHER FREEZER COMPONENTS?
No. Our system actually integrates with existing racking systems, does not reduce any storage space, does not limit sprinkler or fire suppression systems, will not affect your commodity classification and will not impede or disrupt any logistical operations in your facility. In fact, the system’s controls and remote monitoring actually improve overall efficiencies and allow for predictive maintenance of other system components.
10. CAN YOUR SYSTEM BE INSTALLED INTO EXISTING FACILITIES (RETROFIT)?
Yes. Viking Cold systems can be installed as a retrofit, refurbishment or in new construction projects. The sooner they are installed, the sooner that facility will start to see reduced energy expenses, improved temperature stability and increased refrigeration system efficiencies.
11. WHAT ARE TYPICAL ENERGY SAVINGS?
Our clients save between 20% and 35% of their energy expenses while maintaining greater temperature stability.
12. DOES THE TES SYSTEM MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE STABILITY?
Yes. Our TES system is engineered to maintain temperature stability within the specific temperature range for each facility; providing fewer fluctuations and a 38% slower rise in temperatures.
13. CAN YOUR SYSTEM PROVIDE THERMAL BACKUP PROTECTION?
Yes. In the event of power outages or equipment failure, we have seen temperatures remain stable three times longer with our TES system installed.
14. DOES THE TES SYSTEM IMPROVE REFRIGERATION EFFICIENCY?
Yes. The Viking Cold system maintains stable temperatures while allowing the existing refrigeration system to be turned off for extended periods of time. When the systems are running, they run at full capacity at times when ambient temperatures are lower, enabling greater refrigeration efficiency and less energy usage. The reduced mechanical run time of the refrigeration equipment also leads to less maintenance and longer equipment life.
15. DOES YOUR SYSTEM INTEGRATE WITH ON-SITE SOLAR POWER GENERATION?
Yes. Our system pairs very well with onsite solar/PV generation to dramatically increase solar ROI. Our solar clients have seen a reduction of 39% annualized energy expenditures and 95% overnight grid reduction, directly addressing grid challenges related to the “duck curve”.
16. HOW LONG WILL YOUR SYSTEM LAST?
The life of the Viking Cold TES system is 20+ years.
17. HAS YOUR TES SYSTEM BEEN APPROVED OR VERIFIED BY ANY OUTSIDE PARTIES?
Yes. Our system installations have been accepted and funded by numerous utilities as part of energy saving incentive programs, as well as being proven effective in a third-party validation study (click here) performed by the California Energy Commission’s Emerging Technology Coordinating Council.

Still have questions about our Thermal Energy Storage solution?
Call +1 832.781.COLD or click for more answers.

Recent Posts From Our Blog
Feeding Hope: The GCCA and Viking Cold Solutions Partner to Help the San Antonio Food Bank Feed More Families

Viking Cold Solutions is in San Antonio this week at the 2025 Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Convention, where the focus is on energy efficiency, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and demand management. This annual event brings together leaders from across the industry to exchange ideas, share innovations, and explore ways to make temperature-controlled logistics more efficient and sustainable. Being here provides an opportunity to engage with peers, learn from best practices, and further strengthen our shared commitment to advancing energy-conscious solutions across the cold chain as well as in the local community. Texas ranks second in the nation for food insecurity, with one in six residents living in food-insecure households. The San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) works tirelessly to fight hunger across Southwest Texas through food distribution, education, programs, and advocacy. Their mission goes beyond providing meals for today – they also equip individuals and families with the tools to become self-sufficient tomorrow. Each week, SAFB serves more than 100,000 people through its extensive network of partner agencies and innovative programs. When crisis strikes, that mission becomes even more critical. Recent flooding in July in the Hill Country once again highlighted the importance of community resilience. In emergencies, food is more than just sustenance – it’s comfort, stability, and hope. The San Antonio Food Bank responds swiftly, providing emergency food, water, and essential supplies, while rallying volunteers to support families through difficult times. Their ability to step up in moments of disaster reflects the strength of their network and the compassion that drives their work. To learn more about how you can support their disaster relief efforts, visit the San Antonio Food Bank website. In partnership with SAFB, Viking Cold Solutions has installed a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system in the food bank’s main freezer designed to lower energy costs, improve food quality, and help the Food Bank extend its impact. By reducing utility expenses, TES technology allows SAFB to redirect the electricity savings into providing even more meals for the communities it serves. Key outcomes of this project include: Resilient & Flexible Energy Management: 865,000 BTUs of Thermal Energy Storage Energy Savings: 8,000 kWh per month Community Impact: 70,000 additional meals for San Antonians Covering 29 counties across Southwest Texas, the San Antonio Food Bank is a cornerstone in the fight against hunger. At Viking Cold Solutions, we remain committed to strengthening collaborations like this – helping food banks across North America reduce food insecurity and feed more families in need. The GCCA also showed its commitment this week to supporting local causes by volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank on Monday. Almost 16,000 pounds of food was packed for distribution by GCCA volunteers resulting in 13,000 meals.

Viking Cold Solutions Joins Industry Leaders at AESP Flex Connect Panel on Grid Resilience

James Bell and Dr. Crystal Miller, AESP Keynote Speaker and Head of Policy & Government Relations at Tribal Clean Energy At the AESP Flex Connect Conference in Salt Lake City this week, James Bell, President and CEO of Viking Cold Solutions, joined a panel of experts to discuss “Optimizing Refrigeration and Storage for Grid Resilience.” The panel brought together leaders in energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and distributed energy resources to share strategies, lessons learned, and real-world insights that can help both the grid and energy customers. Panelists explored the opportunities and challenges of implementing demand flexibility in sectors such as cold storage and refrigeration – industries with high, continuous energy needs. Discussion topics included identifying the most impactful, immediately achievable improvements; overcoming customer and industry barriers to adoption; and understanding the role of utility pricing and policy in driving change. Each speaker shared perspectives on customer engagement, technology adoption, and what it will take to make demand flexibility more attractive to industrial markets. James’ contribution focused on how Thermal Energy Storage (TES) paired with AI optimization can significantly reduce energy use and peak demand while improving operational reliability. He outlined real-world results showing 20%–35% lower energy consumption, up to 95% reductions in peak demand, and electrical cost savings of up to 50%. He also emphasized how AI’s predictive control and anomaly detection can help facilities act as virtual power plants (VPPs), supporting grid flexibility and renewable integration. Jennifer Szaro, AESP President & CEO The conversation continued with a robust 30-minute Q&A session with a large and highly engaged audience. Most questions centered on the demand flexibility of refrigeration loads, advanced controls, and the role of thermal energy storage in supporting grid resilience. Attendees were also eager to learn how AI can further enhance the management of refrigeration demand, offering predictive insights and enabling more effective participation in grid programs. The panel ended with a forward-looking discussion on the future of AI-driven demand flexibility, the potential for applications beyond refrigeration, and the importance of collaboration between technology providers, utilities, and program designers. The consensus: intelligent, flexible solutions are needed for meeting rising energy needs while building a more resilient and sustainable grid. The informative and impactful three-day 2025 AESP Flex Connect conference closed out on the main stage in Salt Lake City with a keynote address by Dr. Crystal Miller. Dr Miller is the Head of Policy and Government Relations for the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, and shared important insights into ways to advance clean energy and energy access for Indian Tribes. Her speech and the Q&A that followed was another great example of how AESP brings people together to solve energy problems through collaboration and business cooperation – a fitting highlight for Demand Flexibility Day 2025!

Viking Cold Solutions Strengthens Community Bonds with Holiday Volunteer Effort at Houston Food Bank

Continuing our tradition of giving back, Viking Cold Solutions volunteered at the Houston Food Bank over the holiday season.  The team rolled up their sleeves to tackle a variety of tasks, from building and breaking down boxes to packing essential food items for local pantries.  Pallets of goods were transferred to assembly lines, and the kitchen buzzed with activity as a holiday lunch was prepared for those in need. The Houston Food Bank is a solution to both hunger and food waste.  Around 1 million people in the 18 southeast Texas counties served by Houston Food Bank are considered food insecure – lacking consistent access to enough nutritious food to fuel a healthy life.  To address this challenge, the Houston Food Bank distributes food and other essentials through a network of more than 1,600 community partners.  In addition, the food bank provides programs and services aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability which include nutrition education, health management, and help in securing state-funded assistance and other services. At Viking Cold Solutions, we believe in paying forward our good fortune by supporting food banks across the globe with our Thermal Energy Storage technology.  This innovative solution reduces energy costs and allows food banks to allocate more resources toward serving their communities.  The most recent addition to Viking Cold Solutions food bank portfolio includes Feeding Northeast Florida.  We completed a project for Feeding Northeast Florida in December just in time for the holidays and the New Year season.  By providing food banks with sustainable technology, Viking Cold Solutions helps organizations like the Houston Food Bank and Feeding Northeast Florida to extend their reach and increase their impact in the fight against hunger.

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