By Design Tech Solutions — Building Resilient Low-Carbon Heat Systems
Introduction: One Source Isn’t Always Enough
In real-world heat networks, demand varies, funding shifts, and conditions change — that’s why many of the most efficient systems are hybrid.
By combining different sources like heat pumps, solar, CHP, and gas boilers, we can balance carbon, cost, and resilience. At DTS, we design hybrid energy centres with smart logic and scalable layouts to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s upgrades.
Why Hybrid Systems Are Valuable
Load Matching
Each source contributes where it performs best — e.g. heat pumps for base load, gas for peak.
Carbon Savings Without Compromise
Use renewables as primary, and fall back to gas or CHP when needed — no need to oversize.
Better Use of Existing Infrastructure
Hybrid setups can phase in new tech while reusing parts of older systems.
Improved Funding Eligibility
PSDS and HNIP often support systems that show a mix of carbon saving and reliability.
Backup Heat: Still Essential in Many Schemes
Gas Boilers
Often used as N+1 backup, covering full or partial load in case of fault, freeze, or outage.
Thermal Stores
Help absorb fluctuations in heat pump output or solar availability, and allow better sequencing.
Battery or Generator Power Backup
Supports electrical resilience for critical loads or sites without grid redundancy.
DTS Design Priorities in Hybrid Systems
Smart Sequencing Logic
We define how sources are staged, prioritised, and overridden — based on carbon, temperature, or tariffs.
Thermal Buffer & Flow Management
We integrate storage tanks, diverters, and valves to smooth source switching.
Control System Compatibility
We ensure that BMS or standalone controls can manage logic cleanly across all inputs.
Physical Layout Planning
We allow space for future upgrades, source swaps, or phased commissioning.
Backup Testing & Override Paths
We build in safety layers for manual override, automatic fault detection, and control panel access.
Typical Use Cases
New-builds with staged completion
Networks serving both heating and DHW
Public sector projects needing backup compliance
Retrofit systems bridging legacy and low-carbon plant
FAQ
Design with Flexibility in Mind
DTS helps you build systems that adapt — combining low-carbon sources with backup, without compromising on cost, compliance, or control.
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