Vaillant set with circulation pump for aguaFLOW exclusive VPM.../2 W

Product detailed description

Vaillant set with circulation pump for aguaFLOW exclusive VPM.../2 W

The set with circulation pump (manufacturer order number 0010015144) is an additional accessory for hydraulic modules of the Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM.../2 W series (available for models VPM 20/25/2 W, VPM 30/35/2 W and VPM 40/45/2 W), which allows the module to be equipped with an integrated hot water circulation pump directly in the station body. Hot water circulation is a function that ensures hot water is available at the draw-off point (tap, shower) almost instantly after opening, without having to drain out cooled-down water from the pipe for a long time – which is a significant benefit in terms of both comfort and economy, especially with longer pipe runs in multi-storey family houses or apartment buildings (less water is wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water).

Without a circulation circuit, the water in the pipe between the module and the draw-off point gradually cools down, and with each new draw-off the user must first drain the cold, cooled-down water before truly hot water arrives from the module. This set solves the problem by pumping the water in the circulation circuit back to the module at regular intervals (or on demand, e.g. by pressing a button at the draw-off point), where it is reheated, keeping hot water ready for immediate use throughout the whole system.

How the set works together with the aguaFLOW exclusive module

The set includes a circulation pump integrated into the module's hydraulic block, which is connected to the G 3/4" circulation port on the module and is fully controlled by the electronics of the aguaFLOW exclusive module itself. Thanks to this, no separate external control is required – the circulation time program (e.g. only during morning and evening peak times, or continuous operation during the day and switched off at night) is set directly via the module's control panel or via a connected Vaillant system controller (e.g. sensoCOMFORT, multiMATIC).

Integrating the pump directly into the module body has advantages over an external solution in terms of easier installation (no need to find a separate location for the pump or arrange separate electrical power supply) and the compactness of the whole solution. It is particularly suitable where the circulation pipe terminates close to the module and there is no need to place the pump elsewhere in the system.

When to choose an internal pump and when an external one

Vaillant offers two circulation solutions for the aguaFLOW exclusive series of modules – this set with an integrated (internal) pump and, alternatively, a set for connecting an external circulation pump (a separate product, order number 0010015145). The integrated solution is easier to install and suitable for standard installations where the circulation circuit runs directly from the module. The external solution, on the other hand, is used where, for hydraulic or space reasons, it is more advantageous to have the circulation pump installed outside the module body, for example in more complex piping systems with multiple circulation branches or in larger apartment buildings, where an external pump may be more suitably sized for longer pipe runs.

Technical characteristics

Benefits of hot water circulation in practice

• Instant availability of hot water – no unnecessary waiting or draining of cooled-down water from the pipe every time the tap is opened.
• Saving of drinking water – especially with longer pipe runs (multi-storey houses, apartment buildings), circulation significantly reduces the amount of water wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water.
• Comfort for the whole household – circulation brings a noticeable difference in comfort of use, especially where there are several bathrooms further away from the boiler room.
• Possibility of an energy-saving time program – circulation can be limited only to times of real demand (e.g. morning and evening peak), minimizing heat losses of the circulation pipe outside these periods.

Installation and installation recommendations

Installation of the set with integrated circulation pump is carried out by a qualified technician during installation or subsequent modernization of the aguaFLOW exclusive module – the pump connects directly to the module's circulation port, which significantly simplifies installation compared to solutions with an external pump, where a separate location and electrical connection of the pump outside the module also needs to be arranged. Once connected, it is enough to define the circulation time program in the module settings (or via the system controller) corresponding to the actual hot water usage habits in the given household or building. It is recommended to always thermally insulate the circulation pipe along its entire length in order to minimize heat losses and prevent the pump from having to work unnecessarily hard.

Compatibility

The set is intended exclusively for modules of the aguaFLOW exclusive VPM.../2 W series (various output variants 20/25, 30/35 and 40/45), as it uses their integrated electronics and the mechanical interface of the hydraulic block. It is not compatible with solar modules of the auroFLOW series, which have their own, differently designed circulation solution within the solar circuit.

Maintenance

The circulation pump integrated by this set is a maintenance-free device of modern construction with electronically controlled speed, which does not require regular manual intervention. As part of the annual service inspection of the aguaFLOW exclusive module, it is recommended to also check, together with the module inspection:

• the operation of the pump and its noise level (excessive noise may indicate air in the circuit or bearing wear),
• the functionality of the circulation time program and its compliance with current user needs,
• the tightness of the connection at the module's circulation port,
• the condition of the thermal insulation of the circulation pipe.

Why add this set to the module

If the building where the aguaFLOW exclusive module is or will be installed has longer hot water pipe runs (typically more than approximately 10 meters from the module to the furthest draw-off point, or a multi-storey family house, or an apartment building), this set significantly increases usage comfort without the need to arrange a separate external pump and its power supply. It is an affordable addition that pays off already in everyday use thanks to water savings and time saved waiting for hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to correctly set the circulation time program

The effectiveness of the circulation circuit depends largely on a correctly chosen time program. When setting up the set with integrated pump, it is recommended to base it on the household's actual habits:

• Morning peak – usually approximately from 6:00 to 8:00, when there is the highest simultaneous hot water demand (showering, hygiene before leaving for work/school).
• Evening peak – approximately from 18:00 to 22:00, when the frequency of use increases again (evening hygiene, bathing children).
• Reduced operation during the day and at night – outside these periods it is advisable to limit or completely switch off circulation in order to minimize heat losses of the circulation pipe without any real benefit to comfort.

The exact times should always be fine-tuned individually according to the specific regime of the household or building, ideally after a few weeks of actual use and feedback from users.

Effect of circulation on the hygiene of hot water systems

Besides comfort, properly functioning hot water circulation also has hygienic significance – by keeping the water throughout the entire system above a certain minimum temperature (usually above 55 °C at the outlet of the circulation circuit), it reduces the risk of bacterial growth, including legionella, even in parts of the system that would otherwise, with intermittent use, contain lukewarm, stagnant water favorable to their growth for long periods. This is why functional circulation is an important part of the hygienic concept of the entire hot water preparation system, not just a comfort benefit.

Difference between a standard and an electronically controlled circulation pump

The integrated pump of this set belongs to the category of electronically controlled circulation pumps, which, unlike older, simply switched on/off pumps, can smoothly adjust their speed to the current demand of the circulation circuit. This means lower electricity consumption and quieter operation compared to older solutions, which always ran at full power regardless of actual need.

Sizing the circulation circuit in practice

When designing the circulation circuit that will be served by this set, it is necessary to consider primarily the total length of the hot water pipes, the number and location of draw-off points, and the pipe material (copper, plastic, or multilayer pipes have different thermal insulation and hydraulic properties). Based on this information, a designer or experienced installer will design the circulation pipe route to be as short as possible while still covering all draw-off points, thereby minimizing heat losses and ensuring even comfort throughout the building.

Safety and electrical protection

Since the integrated circulation pump is powered from the electronics of the aguaFLOW exclusive module, all applicable safety standards for electrical equipment in a damp environment (boiler room, technical room) must be observed during installation. Both the module and the pump itself are designed with this operation in mind, but proper grounding and protection against possible moisture ingress into electrical connections must be part of the professional installation carried out by a qualified technician.

Comparison of operating costs with and without circulation

Although hot water circulation means a certain additional consumption of electricity to run the pump and slightly higher heat losses in the piping, this set, combined with properly insulated piping and a sensibly set time program, represents a relatively low additional operating burden compared to the benefit of instant hot water availability and the water savings that would otherwise be wasted down the drain while waiting for it to heat up from the module.

Summary

The set with circulation pump for Vaillant aguaFLOW exclusive VPM.../2 W is a practical and affordable additional solution that turns the hot water preparation module into a fully-fledged system with instant hot water availability at all draw-off points. Thanks to its easy installation directly into the module body and integrated control, it represents an ideal choice for standard family houses as well as smaller buildings with longer hot water pipe runs.