Game changing innovation for a low carbon future

Dynamic Thermal Systems, based in the UK, has developed a new heat transfer solution that could improve the energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems, a sector that contributes significantly to global CO₂ emissions.

The company’s innovation is a rotating heat transfer technology that works by passing fluid through internal channels within the blades or fins of a rotating component. This design, inspired by aerospace turbine cooling technology, improves heat transfer compared to conventional static systems and has applications across various sectors.

One initial focus is on air source heat pumps, commonly used to heat homes and commercial buildings. Traditional systems use a fan to push air across a static heat exchanger. In contrast, Dynamic Thermal Systems’ approach combines the fan and heat exchanger into a single rotating unit with built-in fluid channels. This improves thermal performance and leads to several key benefits:

• An estimated 10% reduction in running costs
• Reduced risk of frost formation, improving heating reliability
• A more compact design, saving space and materials

The system can also be applied to other heating products such as radiators. These improvements could make heat pump and radiator technology more energy efficient, cost-effective, and easier to install.

Dynamic Thermal Systems has received support from Innovate UK, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The company established premises in Oxford to continue development. Commercial production is targeted for 2025.

Compared to competing technologies, this solution stands out for its energy efficiency, simplicity of design, and broad applicability. It uses existing manufacturing components and avoids the need for major changes to infrastructure, helping reduce barriers to adoption.

By enhancing the performance of common heating systems, Dynamic Thermal Systems is contributing to lower-carbon buildings and helping accelerate the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Robert Lind, Chartered Patent Attorney, Partner Marks & Clerk LLP:

“I am excited that CIPA has nominated Qiang and his team at Dynamic Thermal Systems for the Earthshot prize in 2025.  The technology that they have developed is truly ground-breaking and provides an opportunity to make heat-pumps both significantly more affordable to install and more efficient to operate.  As is so often the case, Qiang has taken knowledge from one area, in his case jet turbine design, and applied it to a completely different area to generate unique IP.”

Qiang Zhang, Founder Dynamic Thermal Systems Ltd

“I am delighted that through CIPA we have been nominated for the 2025 Earthshot award.  Looking at past nominees and winners, we are in good company and I am sure that the awards this year will be competitive as always.  Regardless of the outcome, we hope that this nomination will raise awareness of our exciting technology and help to propel is towards a successful product launch.”