Vaillant aroTHERM pro vWL 55/7.1 230 V outdoor unit monoblock

Product detailed description

Vaillant aroTHERM pro VWL 55/7.1 230 V is an outdoor unit of an air-to-water heat pump in the monoblock configuration. This means that the entire refrigerant circuit (compressor, evaporator, expansion valve and refrigerant) is enclosed directly in the outdoor unit, and only the heating water is led from it through piping with standard plumbing insulation. Therefore, there is no need to bring any refrigerant lines into the house, no refrigeration license is required for installation, and no complicated vacuuming and filling of the system with refrigerant on site is necessary – the installation is simpler, faster and cheaper than with the split version, where the refrigerant circuit runs through the wall of the house.

The model VWL 55/7.1 belongs to the latest generation of aroTHERM pro (series /7.1) and is the most compact member of the range – an ideal solution for smaller and medium-sized family homes, apartments or renovations, where only limited space is available around the house. The unit operates with the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) with minimal impact on the environment (GWP = 0.02 compared to hundreds or thousands with older synthetic refrigerants), which brings high efficiency at both low and high heating water outlet temperatures.

Technical data

• Type: air-to-water heat pump, monoblock, outdoor unit
• Model designation: VWL 55/7.1 A 230 V
• Refrigerant: R290 (propane), charge approx. 0.5 kg, GWP 0.02
• Heating capacity (A7/W35, partial load according to EN 14511): approx. 3.36 kW output / 0.68 kW input / COP 4.93
• Rated capacity at A-7/W35 point: approx. 4.84 kW
• SCOP (low-temperature application, output 35 °C): up to 5.01
• SCOP (medium-temperature application, output 55 °C): approx. 3.7
• Energy efficiency class for heating (low temperature): A+++
• Sound power level: 48.2 dB(A) at A-7/W35 in quiet night mode (reduced fan speed)
• Range of heating water outlet temperature: 10 – 70 °C
• Electrical supply: 230 V / 50 Hz (single-phase), max. power approx. 3.2 kW, max. current approx. 14 A
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 750 × 1 104 × 454 mm
• Weight (without charge): approx. 84 kg
• Configuration: monoblock – no need for refrigerant lines outside the unit

Thanks to the Flexible Space technology, the unit is structurally designed to require minimal clearance distances from walls and obstacles, which facilitates its placement even on small plots, terraces or near the house facade. The low noise level at the same time allows trouble-free operation even in close proximity to bedroom windows or neighboring plots, where stricter noise limits are usually applied.

How an air-to-water heat pump works

The outdoor unit draws in ambient air through a finned evaporator, where the heat from this air is transferred to the refrigerant R290. The refrigerant is then compressed by the compressor, which significantly increases its temperature, and this heated refrigerant is led to a plate heat exchanger, where it transfers heat to the heating water flowing into the heating and hot water preparation system. The cooled refrigerant is returned through an expansion valve to the evaporator and the entire cycle is repeated. Thanks to this principle, the heat pump can produce several kW of heat from 1 kW of electrical energy – this ratio is expressed by the COP coefficient, or the seasonal SCOP.

Installation and connection

Since it is a monoblock unit, only heating water is worked with at the installation site, not refrigerant. The outdoor unit VWL 55/7.1 is connected by standard means to an internal hydraulic module (e.g. VWZ MEH or a similar hydraulic set from the Vaillant range), which ensures regulation, circulation pump, safety devices, and possibly also hot water preparation in combination with a storage heater. The control of the entire system is ensured by the sensoHome controller, which allows setting of heating curves, equithermal regulation, control via a mobile app and connection to an existing or new heating system (radiators, floor heating, fancoils).

When designing the installation, it is necessary to take into account:

• an appropriate location with regard to air flow (sufficient space in front of and behind the unit for air intake and exhaust),
• drainage of condensate, which forms on the evaporator during operation at low temperatures,
• a base or consoles with vibration damping for placement on the ground, roof or wall,
• an electrical connection of 230 V with appropriate protection according to the project documentation,
• connecting piping to the internal hydraulic unit with thermal insulation to prevent heat loss and freezing.

Thanks to the single-phase power supply of 230 V, the model VWL 55/7.1 is also suitable for locations or buildings where a three-phase connection is not available, or where the capacity of the electrical connection is limited – which is a common situation in older family homes and renovations.

Who is this heat pump suitable for

The power class 55 (nominal power in units of approx. 5.5 kW at the reference point) is mainly intended for:

• smaller and medium-sized family homes with good thermal insulation,
• apartments and smaller apartment units with their own heating circuits,
• renovations, where an older gas or electric boiler is replaced by a heat pump,
• new builds with low-energy or passive standards, where a lower installed power is sufficient,
• combination with floor heating and radiator systems due to the ability to achieve an outlet water temperature of up to 70 °C.

When selecting the correct power of the heat pump, it is always necessary to start from the heat loss of the specific building, which is determined by an energy calculation or an expert heating design. Both overdimensioned and underdimensioned heat pumps reduce the efficiency of operation and the lifespan of the equipment, so we recommend consulting the power design with an expert project designer or a certified Vaillant installation partner.

Advantages of the monoblock solution

• Simpler and cheaper installation – no need for refrigeration qualification on site, no vacuuming and filling of refrigerant on site.
• Lower risk of refrigerant leakage – the refrigerant circuit is sealed and tight from the factory, tested by the manufacturer.
• Faster service – most service tasks are performed on the hydraulic side without interference with the refrigerant circuit.
• Eco-friendly refrigerant R290 – with significantly lower impact on global warming (GWP 0.02) compared to older refrigerants such as R410A.
• Compact dimensions – thanks to the Flexible Space technology, the unit can be placed even on smaller plots and closer to the house wall.

What is included in the delivery and what needs to be ordered separately

This offer includes only the outdoor monoblock unit of the heat pump VWL 55/7.1. To create a fully functional system, it is necessary to order separately the internal hydraulic module (e.g. VWZ MEH or another compatible hydraulic set), possibly a storage water heater, connecting and installation materials (pipes, insulation, consoles), and in case of need also a room controller or other accessories from the Vaillant system. When designing a complete set, we are happy to advise you on the correct combination of components according to the type and size of the heated building.

Operation and maintenance

Vaillant aroTHERM pro heat pumps are designed for long-term operation with minimal maintenance requirements. It is recommended to have an annual inspection carried out by a certified service technician, which includes checking the tightness of the refrigerant circuit, the functionality of the condensate drain, the condition of the evaporator (cleaning of the fins from dirt and possible icing) and checking the electrical components. With adherence to service intervals, the lifespan of the unit is comparable to that of a conventional gas boiler, while the operating costs are significantly lower thanks to the high coefficient of performance, provided the system is properly designed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is a refrigeration certificate required for installation?
Not at the installation site – the monoblock has a closed and pre-charged refrigerant circuit from the factory. The installation must still be carried out by a qualified person/company meeting legislative requirements for work with refrigerants and electrical installation.

Can this heat pump be connected to radiators?
Yes, the output water temperature of up to 70 °C allows operation even with conventional radiators, although the unit achieves the highest efficiency (highest COP/SCOP) at lower output temperatures typical for floor heating.

Does the heat pump work in freezing temperatures?
Yes, units of the aroTHERM pro series are designed for operation even at significantly low outside temperatures, with performance and efficiency values at point A-7/W35 (i.e., at -7 °C outside temperature) being part of the technical data above.

Is a hot water tank required?
For hot water preparation, a storage water heater connected via the internal hydraulic module is recommended. Without a tank, the unit can be operated for heating only.

What is the difference compared to the split version of the heat pump?
In the split version, the refrigerant circuit is divided between the outdoor and indoor unit, and the refrigerant piping runs through the wall of the house, which requires refrigeration qualification of the installer directly on site. In the case of a monoblock, the refrigerant remains sealed in the outdoor unit, and only heating water is led into the house.

If you are interested in a complete heating system design with the Vaillant aroTHERM pro VWL 55/7.1 heat pump, including a suitable hydraulic module, hot water tank and installation, do not hesitate to contact us – we will gladly prepare a custom quotation according to the needs of your property.