Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W - domestic hot water preparation module

Product detailed description

Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W – hydraulic module for flow-through domestic hot water preparation

The Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W module (manufacturer order number 0010015137) is a compact fresh-water (hygienic) station designed for instantaneous preparation of domestic hot water in systems with a heating water buffer storage tank, typically a Vaillant allSTOR exclusive tank or another suitable multifunctional storage tank. Instead of conventional storage-tank heating, where a large volume of hot water is stored for a long time in a cylinder (and is thus exposed to the risk of legionella growth), aguaFLOW exclusive works on the principle of "on-demand" flow-through heating – cold drinking water is heated at the moment of draw-off by passing through a plate heat exchanger using heat accumulated in the heating (secondary) circuit of the storage tank. The result is hygienically safe hot water without any volume of stored drinking water in the module itself, which significantly reduces the risk of legionella while also allowing an almost unlimited comfortable hot water draw-off, limited only by the output of the heat source and the size of the buffer storage tank.

The designation "30/35" in the model name expresses its output category: when heating to 60 °C, the module can deliver a continuous hot water flow of approximately 30 litres per minute, and when set to 65 °C approximately 35 litres per minute. This is an output suitable for family houses with standard hot water consumption, smaller residential units, or as part of a larger cascade assembly supplying apartment buildings, guesthouses or operational buildings, where hot water preparation needs to be dimensioned for simultaneous draw-off from multiple points (multiple bathrooms, kitchens, shower rooms).

Operating principle – flow-through (fresh-water) system

The heart of the module is a plate heat exchanger made of high-grade stainless steel with a special plate surface structure that slows down limescale formation even when operating with harder water. When the user opens the hot water tap, the integrated flow sensor immediately registers the change in the volume of water drawn off, and the module's electronics respond by regulating the flow of heating water from the buffer tank through the primary side of the heat exchanger. The high-efficiency circulation pump in the module thus delivers hot water from the top, hottest layer of the storage tank in exactly the amount needed to maintain a constant outlet temperature of the drinking water – the temperature therefore remains stable from a minimum draw-off of around 2 litres per minute, without the typical temperature fluctuation on flow switching on/off known from cheaper or older-generation solutions.

The outlet hot water temperature is adjustable within a range of approximately 40–75 °C, and the module also supports a thermal disinfection (anti-legionella protection) function at a set temperature of around 70 °C – this function is typically carried out automatically at regular intervals or on request from a service technician, without the need to keep the entire storage tank volume at a high temperature for long periods, which saves energy compared to a conventional storage-tank solution.

Electronics, communication and control

The module is equipped with its own control electronics with an eBUS communication interface, which allows it to be fully integrated into the system together with a Vaillant boiler (for example the ecoTEC, ecoCOMPACT or ecoCRAFT range) and a system controller (e.g. sensoCOMFORT, multiMATIC or calorMATIC). This makes it possible to monitor and set hot water temperatures, time programs, operating states and any fault messages from a single point. A display directly on the module shows the current operating status and the set target temperature, and in the event of a fault it displays a diagnostic code, making it easier for a service technician to quickly identify the problem.

Cascade operation

In case of a higher demand for simultaneous hot water draw-off (for example in larger apartment buildings, accommodation facilities, operations with shared showers, etc.), up to four aguaFLOW exclusive modules can be connected in a cascade. The individual modules automatically share the load between themselves and cover the current demand alternately or simultaneously, achieving high comfort even when multiple draw-off points are used at the same time. For each module included in the cascade (except for the first, so-called master module), a separate cascade electric valve is required, which ensures correct hydraulic interconnection and gradual switching of the individual stations into operation according to current demand – this part is available as separate accessory.

Installation and mounting options

The aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W module is designed for two basic mounting methods:

• Direct mounting on the buffer storage tank – typically on an allSTOR exclusive tank, using a "plug & play" quick-connector system, which minimises the need for additional pipework and shortens installation time.
• Wall mounting – the module can be hung separately on the wall near the storage tank and connected using heating pipework, which is particularly suitable where space conditions do not allow direct mounting on the tank, or when modernising an older boiler room.

The connection dimensions of the module are G 1" on the heating (primary) circuit side (flow and return) and G 3/4" on the hot and cold drinking water side, including the circulation connection. The maximum operating pressure on the heating water side is 3 bar, and on the drinking water side up to 10 bar, which covers the common requirements of most water systems in family houses and apartment buildings.

Technical characteristics

Compatibility

The aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W module is designed primarily to work together with allSTOR exclusive buffer storage tanks, but thanks to universal G 1" and G 3/4" hydraulic connections, it can also be used (taking pressure and temperature conditions into account) in combination with other suitably dimensioned heating water storage tanks. We recommend combining it with Vaillant heat sources – condensing boilers from the ecoTEC, ecoCOMPACT, ecoCRAFT ranges, aroTHERM heat pumps, or in solar-assisted systems together with the auroFLOW module. The system controller (e.g. sensoCOMFORT 720, multiMATIC 700) then coordinates the operation of the heat source, the storage tank and the aguaFLOW module itself as one functional unit via the eBUS bus.

Advantages over conventional storage-tank DHW heating

• Hygiene and lower legionella risk – the module does not contain any larger volume of standing drinking water that could be exposed for a long time to temperatures favourable for bacterial growth.
• Practically unlimited comfortable draw-off – whereas with storage-tank heating, hot water draw-off is limited by the volume of the cylinder and the speed of its reheating, with a flow-through module it is limited only by the instantaneous output of the heat source and the size of the buffer tank.
• Precise and stable temperature – thanks to fast control based on the flow sensor, there are no typical temperature fluctuations when draw-off changes.
• Space saving – the compact module mounted directly on the storage tank does not take up additional space in the boiler room.
• Scalability – the possibility of cascading up to four units allows one type of device to cover solutions ranging from a family house to larger apartment buildings.

Installation recommendations and important notices

Installation of the aguaFLOW exclusive module should always be carried out by a qualified technician trained on Vaillant products, since correct commissioning involves not only the hydraulic connection but also software setting of control parameters (target temperature, thermal disinfection temperature, time program, possible inclusion in a cascade). Before installation, it is necessary to check the quality of the inlet water (hardness, possible impurities) and, if necessary, add suitable water treatment or a mechanical filter to extend the service life of the plate heat exchanger. It is equally important to ensure a sufficient supply of heating water from the buffer tank with a sufficiently high temperature in the upper layer of the tank, since the module's output directly depends on the temperature stratification in the tank.

Maintenance and service

The aguaFLOW exclusive module is designed for long-term maintenance-free operation, but to maintain full output it is recommended to check the following once a year as part of a regular boiler room service inspection:

• function and sensitivity of the flow sensor,
• tightness of all hydraulic joints and quick connectors,
• condition and possible fouling of the plate heat exchanger (especially with harder water),
• correct functioning of the circulation pump and its noise level,
• up-to-date control unit software and the thermal disinfection setting.

If a drop in output is detected (e.g. a lower achievable hot water temperature or flow rate), the most common cause is limescale build-up in the heat exchanger, which can be professionally removed by chemical flushing with a suitable agent without having to replace the entire module.

Why choose this particular model

The Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W represents a well-balanced choice for households and smaller operations that want to combine the advantages of large-volume heat storage (typically in conjunction with a heat pump or solar system, where it is advantageous to have a larger heat storage tank available) with hygienically safe and comfortable hot water preparation without the legionella risk associated with a conventional hot water cylinder. Thanks to its modular concept, the system can also be easily expanded in the future by adding another module to the cascade if the demand for simultaneous hot water draw-off increases, for example due to a building extension or a change in the building's use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

The Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM 30/35/2 W is a modern, reliable and energy-efficient solution for domestic hot water preparation for family houses as well as smaller apartment buildings, placing emphasis on hygiene, comfort and installation flexibility. Thanks to its combination with a heating water buffer storage tank and the possibility of cascade expansion, it represents an investment that can grow together with the needs of the building.