EN
DHW design: production, storage and distribution
We design domestic hot water production, storage and distribution installations, analysing usage needs and energy consumption.
End-to-end DHW
We develop complete domestic hot water system designs for new construction and refurbishment, from production through to distribution.
Solar thermal
Sizing of solar thermal collector fields (flat-plate or vacuum-tube) integrated with the storage tank and backup heating. Compliant with EN 12975 and DL 58/2013.
Heat pumps
Selection and sizing of air-to-water and geothermal heat pumps for DHW, integrated into hybrid systems with solar backup. Optimisation of COP and seasonal performance.
Boilers and storage tanks
Condensing gas boilers, insulated storage tanks, coils and thermal stratification systems to maximise efficiency and autonomy.
Distribution and recirculation
Thermally insulated networks, recirculation loops with controlled recirculation pumps, thermostatic mixing valves and hydraulic balancing of the network.
Legionella protection
Installation design in accordance with EN 806-2: minimum storage and distribution temperatures, thermal shock, elimination of dead legs, sampling valves.
Efficiency and retrofit
Energy retrofit of existing DHW systems: replacing gas water heaters with heat pumps, installing solar thermal, cutting consumption by up to 70% in refurbished buildings.
How we work
From the consumption profile to the acceptance of the hot-water systems, every stage is documented.
Consumption profile and use
We characterise occupancy, draw-off points and the hot-water use profile, and confirm with the client and the other designers the plant space and the area available for collectors or heat pumps.
Hydraulic calculation and sizing
Calculation of consumption (hourly profile and simultaneity), storage volumes, production capacity, network thermal losses and hydraulic balance.
Design development
We prepare the execution design: DHW schematic diagrams, network layouts, insulation, tanks, solar/heat-pump integration, recirculation and written documents.
Site support and review
We follow the execution: checking network insulation, tank location, connections to solar thermal/heat pump, and compliance with the design.
Commissioning
We take part in DHW system acceptance tests, checking outlet temperatures, flow rates, recirculation, solar/heat-pump performance and the Legionella protection protocol (EN 806-2).
Regulatory requirements
What you gain with Afazeres Curiosos
Hot water always available
Systems sized for the building's real peak demand, with adequate storage and recovery — sized for peak times.
Reduced energy consumption
Solar thermal plus heat pump can cover 70–90% of a home's annual DHW needs, with a payback typically between 7–12 years.
Regulatory compliance
The design complies with all applicable legislation, easing licensing and energy certification.
Integrated coordination
By also designing the electrical, telecommunications and fire safety (SCIE) systems, we avoid clashes between disciplines that cause delays and extra costs.
We also review designs in this discipline produced by other designers. See how design review works →
How would you like to move forward with the efficiency and safety of your DHW system?
If you already know which service you need, request a quote. If you first need to weigh up alternatives or clarify a specific question, choose online consultancy.
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