vPS R 200/1B - 200 l accumulation tank

Product detailed description

Vaillant uniSTOR VPS R 200/1 B is a buffer (storage) tank with a volume of 202 liters, which serves as a hydraulic and thermal "battery" of the heating system in combination with a heat pump - most often with models of the Vaillant aroTHERM plus, flexoCOMPACT and flexoTHERM series. The tank is not connected into the circuit of hot water preparation in the system, but serves as an accumulation tank of heating water (buffer), or as a hydraulic separation tank between the primary circuit of the heat pump and the secondary heating circuits of the building.

What the buffer tank is used for

A heat pump works most efficiently and economically when it runs for longer periods with minimal switching on and off (so-called "toggling"). In a small heating system with a low volume of water in the system (for example, only floor heating in one small zone), however, it is likely that the heat pump will switch too often, which shortens the life of the compressor and reduces the actual efficiency of operation. The buffer tank VPS R 200/1 B adds the necessary volume of water to the system, which functions as a thermal storage - the heat pump "charges" heat into it during operation and the system gradually draws it off according to the current heating or cooling needs of individual zones/rooms.

The tank is also suitable as a hydraulic separation tank (hydraulic separator) between the primary circuit with variable flow (on the side of the heat pump) and the secondary circuits with their own circulation regulation (distribution to individual zones, radiators, floor heating), thus preventing mutual hydraulic influence of both parts of the system.

Suitable for cooling as well

Thanks to its design and material finish, the VPS R 200/1 B is intended not only for heating, but also for operation in cooling mode (when using a reversible heat pump with the ability to active or passive cooling). The tank is thus able to accumulate "cooling" and stabilize the operation of the system in summer mode just as it does in winter during heating.

Technical parameters

• Nominal volume: 202 l
• Empty tank weight: 44 kg
• Dimensions (height × diameter of the shell): approximately 1202 × 600 mm (with packaging/delivery dimensions of approx. 1405 mm)
• Maximum operating temperature: 95 °C
• Maximum operating pressure: 3 bar
• Connections: 8× external thread G 1½"
• Design: without built-in heat exchanger (flow heating via connections), without flange
• Energy class of the thermal insulation envelope: B (on the scale from A+ to F)
• Vessel material: steel, white plastic shell with thermal insulation (PU foam)
• Color: white

Exact values of operating parameters, pressure tests and dimensional drawings are stated in the installation and service manual of the manufacturer, which is part of the tank delivery.

Construction and material

The tank vessel is made of steel and is externally equipped with high-quality thermal insulation made of PU foam, which is then covered with a durable white plastic shell. This combination ensures low thermal losses during the storage of heating water and at the same time an aesthetic, compact appearance suitable for visible spaces of the technical room. Eight connection nozzles G 1½" arranged on the tank shell allow flexible connection to various hydraulic schemes - single-zone and multi-zone heating systems, combination with other heat sources, or possible system expansion.

Installation and placement

VPS R 200/1 B is designed as a stationary (floor-standing) tank. When planning the placement, it is necessary to take into account its dimensions (height approx. 1.2 m, diameter approx. 0.6 m) and sufficient handling space around the tank for connecting pipe lines, possible service and replacement of parts. The tank is connected directly to the heating circuit according to the designed hydraulic scheme - we recommend that the scheme is processed by a professional design or installation company that takes into account the performance of the heat pump, the number of heating zones and the requirements for possible cooling.

Installation, commissioning and the first connection to the Vaillant heat pump should be carried out exclusively by a qualified and trained installation company, which also preserves the right to full warranty from the manufacturer.

Compatible accessories

• Insulation covers for unused inlets, 6 pcs (Vaillant 0020243643) - serve to additionally seal and insulate those G 1½" connection nozzles on the tank shell that remain unused in a given hydraulic scheme. They reduce thermal losses and maintain a consistent insulation envelope of the tank.
• A smaller sibling of the range - VPS R 100/1 M with a volume of 101 l, suitable for smaller installations where a lower accumulation volume is sufficient.

Why choose the buffer tank VPS R 200/1 B

An investment in a properly dimensioned buffer tank pays off especially in systems with a heat pump, where stable and smooth operation significantly extends the life of the compressor and reduces electricity consumption for heating. A volume of 202 liters is a suitable choice for medium-sized family homes or systems with multiple heating zones, where the smaller 101-liter model VPS R 100/1 M might not provide sufficient system inertia. The white design with quality insulation also fits into visible spaces of the technical room without the need for further wrapping or hiding the tank.

Frequently asked questions

Does the VPS R 200/1 B also serve for the preparation of hot utility water?
No, this tank is intended exclusively as a buffer/accumulation tank for heating water (or as a hydraulic separator), not as a hot water tank for the household. For the preparation of hot water, separate indirect heating tanks of the uniSTOR series are used (e.g. uniSTOR VIH RW or uniSTOR plus).

Is it necessary to buy insulation covers for unused nozzles?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended - each unused, non-insulated nozzle represents a thermal bridge and increases the tank's heat losses.

Can the tank be mounted on the wall?
The VPS R 200/1 B is installed as a floor-standing tank by default due to its weight and dimensions. A wall mounting kit (available, for example, for the smaller model VPS R 100/1 M) is not commonly intended for this larger model.

What is the maximum operating pressure and temperature?
The maximum operating pressure is 3 bar and the maximum operating temperature is 95 °C - these values must always be respected when designing safety and expansion devices of the heating system.

With which heat pumps is the tank compatible?
The tank is intended for use with Vaillant heat pumps, mainly the aroTHERM plus, flexoCOMPACT and flexoTHERM series, but due to the universal G 1½" connections, it can also be hydraulically connected to other heating systems according to the designer's design.

How to choose between VPS R 100/1 M and VPS R 200/1 B

Vaillant offers buffer tanks of this range in two sizes - the smaller VPS R 100/1 M with a volume of 101 l and the larger VPS R 200/1 B with a volume of 202 l, which is the subject of this page. The choice of the correct size depends on several factors: the performance of the heat pump, the number and type of heating circuits (floor heating, radiators, combination), the number of individually regulated zones and whether the system also handles cooling. In general, a larger accumulation volume means longer compressor run times between individual cycles and thus a more economical operation in terms of the heat pump compressor, but at the same time it requires more space in the technical room. In multi-zone systems or in larger houses with higher installed heat pump performance, the model VPS R 200/1 B is usually a better choice than the smaller VPS R 100/1 M.

Placement in the hydraulic scheme

In a typical setup with a heat pump, the VPS R 200/1 B tank is connected in the primary circuit, i.e. between the output of the heat pump and the distributor of individual heating circuits (or directly before the mixing valves of individual zones). Thanks to the function of a hydraulic separator, the tank ensures that the flow through the heat pump remains stable and independent of current changes in the flow in the secondary circuits (e.g. when a floor heating zone is closed or opened according to a room thermostat). This hydraulic independence is important for the correct and efficient operation of an inverter-controlled heat pump, which adjusts its performance to the current needs of the system.

The precise placement of temperature probes, circulation pumps, and mixing valves in a given hydraulic layout is determined by the heating system designer based on the specific type of heat pump, the number of zones, and cooling requirements. Vaillant recommends proven and tested hydraulic connection schemes for its systems, which are part of the technical documentation for the aroTHERM series heat pumps.

Energy savings thanks to the buffer tank

A properly dimensioned buffer tank contributes to energy savings in several ways. First, it reduces the frequent switching of the heat pump compressor, which is the most energy-intensive phase of operation (the compressor startup consumes significantly more energy than steady operation). Second, it allows the heat pump to operate longer in a steady, more efficient operating mode instead of constantly adjusting to immediate fluctuations in heat demand. Third, in systems with the ability to control operation according to lower electricity rate periods (e.g., night tariff), the tank's storage volume allows "charging" heat during times of cheaper electricity and using it later when electricity is more expensive.

Maintenance and service

The buffer tank VPS R 200/1 B does not require as extensive regular maintenance as a domestic hot water storage tank (it does not, for example, have a magnesium anode, since it does not contain potable water). Nevertheless, during the regular annual heating system service inspection, the condition of the connections, the tightness of the flanges, the condition of the tank insulation, and the functionality of any possible air vents and drain valves (if they are part of the given hydraulic layout) are also checked. We recommend that you always entrust the service of the system with a heat pump to an authorized Vaillant service partner.