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A heater for outdoor cafes and venues that runs on renewable energy

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TOGB20250703012
Term of Validity
3 July 2025 - 3 July 2026
Company's Country
  • United Kingdom
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
A UK company has developed a design for outdoor (patio or garden) heating that runs on renewable energy and is more comfortable than traditional outdoor furniture.

The design and know-how is offered under commercial agreements with technical assistance by companies manufacturing or selling outdoor furniture or heaters.
Full Description
Patio heaters or outdoor heaters normally run on gas or electricity. As they are being phased out, a new solution will shortly be needed to keep the customers warm in outdoor cafes or other venues. Countries and cities like France and Barcelona have banned them. Further regions are following suit but hesitant around lack of alternatives.

A UK company has created a novel design based on academic research.

The research showed that people prefer outside heat which is directed towards their legs and not their face.

The solution was to apply the heat source as shown in the Pictures which radiates heat from the underside of the table, towards the legs.

The heating element is heated by a solar power or by electricity at off-peak rates. The store is sufficient to run on the following day as well (3.5 kWh of storage).

The company has done a series of calculations showing that the new way of heating is cheaper than an electric heater and much cheaper than a gas heater and will pay for itself in under 2 years. See the attached pdf file.

The technology is simple to integrate, and manufacturers of outdoor furniture can acquire the design under commercial agreements with technical assistance.
Advantages and Innovations
A first patent has been granted confirming the novelty of the design.
The innovation introduces renewable energy to the outdoor furniture market.
Stage of Development
  • Already on the market
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
IPR status
  • IPR granted
IPR notes
Granted in the UK, worldwide patent pending.

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
Type of partner sought: industry.
Specific area of partner sought: manufacturers and sellers of outdoor furniture, HORECA solutions, patio heaters.

Role of partner sought: to acquire the rights to make similar or different furniture in their territories.

The UK company will assist with the technical preparation for manufacturing. Full sales and marketing support will also be provided by the company.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME <=10
  • Big company
  • SME 11-49
  • SME 50 - 249
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 04005005 - Solar/Thermal energy
Market keywords
  • 07001002 - Amusement and recreational facilities
  • 07004006 - Garden and horticultural products
  • 07004005 - Furnishing and Furniture
  • 07001007 - Other leisure and recreational products and services
Targeted countries
  • All countries

Images

Files

Running costs