I’ve managed to get hold of the datasheets for the new V2 Vaillant Arothem+ I’ve been interested to see how the V2 compares to the existing Arotherm (V1).
As far as I can tell, the changes are very minimal. I think they’ve just tweaked the compressor current input and fitted a larger circ pump.
The main differance is the colour and the new R290 zero clearence feature which runs the fan 24/7 (if enabled).
The changes in heat output and rated COP could be due to changes in certification methods? I think the compressor current input is the most directly comparable metric to focus on. The output capacity chart for the V2 is not yet avilable, so we can only compare the EN test outputs COPs which are far from real world e.g Air -7C, Water 35C
I understood that the new V2 has dropped the ebus protocol which seems to me to be a significant consideration. The use of ebus means that you can do whatever you like in terms of control (e.g. via the openebusd device). If that doesn’t work on the new machine then we have lost some significant openness.
Is that correct? And has anyone worked out what the new protocol is?
The V2 still uses ebus AFAIK. Where did you hear otherwise?
It was on one the various youtube videos than came out a few months ago when it was revealed/announced. There was something about new controllers using a new new protocol. Ah. I think it was this: https://youtu.be/tAueYITLPyk?t=327
Looks like they have just changed the bus to the outdoor temp sensor, not any of the rest of the system (and I wasn’t listening properly
I think the ebus protocol is identical to V1.
OK. That is good news. ebus is one of the things I really like about Vaillant (insurance against ‘apps’ and things the system won’t do by itself) and helps jjustify the price.
That does look good, I found ebusd not particularly user friendly and a bit glitchy. But this was a couple of years ago, I’m assuming it’s more developed now. But I would still consider Vaillant is one of the harder heatpumps to integrate with. Most heatpumps use RS485 which is much easier to integrate with.
It’s still eBUS between the VWZ AI and the Sensocomfort user interface unit, the internet gateway, and indeed everything else except the link between the outdoor unit and the indoor controller. Which is probably for the best, as the existing ecosystem of eBUS-based integrations can continue to be used.
I think for the European market, the situation is/was meant to be different, with the VWZ AI controller integrating internet connectivity, OTA updates, and a wireless TxRx for the Sensocomfort etc, but this didn’t make it over here for some reason.
I found the install doc for the new Arotherm (part# suffix is /8.1 vs the previous /6 so I’m not sure if we should really call them V8 and V6 rather than V2 and V1?). Anyway, it’s here:
Physical dimensions are the same but obviously clearance areas have changed.
What I really want is the detailed COP and power vs compressor frequency tables in the fabled Czech datasheet for V1. Does anyone have that data? Or confirmation that they haven’t changed meaningfully on V2.
Comparing the data I have got hold of so far the new machine is not identical to the old one and appears to have a wider min/max modulation range, which is good because that was a limitation of the 3/5kW machine.
But I’ve also got conflicting data from different sources so I’m not quite sure about this yet.
Glyn, can you post your datasheet somewhere? Or if not, otherwise slip it to me
Or are those two .pngs the whole thing?
