Daikin Altherma Heat Pump Installation Manual

The Daikin Altherma is a high-efficiency air-to-water heat pump system designed for residential heating and domestic hot water production. It utilizes renewable energy from outdoor air to provide comfortable, low-energy climate control. This manual covers essential safety guidelines, system overview, installation procedures, commissioning, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting for certified installers.

System Overview & Components

The Daikin Altherma system typically consists of an outdoor unit (heat pump), an indoor hydrobox unit (including buffer tank, circulation pumps, and expansion vessel), a domestic hot water (DHW) tank, and a user interface controller.

Safety Precautions

Installation must be performed by qualified personnel in accordance with local regulations.

1. Electrical Safety: Disconnect all power before working on electrical components. Ensure proper grounding.
2. Refrigerant Safety: Only certified technicians may handle refrigerant. Avoid open flames near the unit.
3. Lifting & Handling: Units are heavy. Use appropriate lifting equipment and multiple persons.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety gloves, goggles, and appropriate footwear.
5. Pressure Systems: Hydraulic and refrigerant circuits operate under pressure. Depressurize before opening.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in electric shock, fire, injury, or equipment damage.

Pre-Installation Planning

Before installation, verify site suitability and gather necessary tools and materials.

1. Site Survey: Check for adequate space, clearances for airflow (outdoor unit), and load-bearing capacity for indoor units and tanks.
2. System Selection: Confirm the selected model (e.g., ERLQ, ERHQ series) matches the heating load calculation of the property.
3. Tools Required: Pipe benders, flaring tool, vacuum pump, manifold gauges, torque wrenches, multimeter, level, lifting gear.
4. Materials Required: Insulated copper pipes (for refrigerant), insulated heating pipes, electrical cables, condensate drain pipe, mounting brackets.
5. Permits: Ensure all local building, electrical, and plumbing permits are obtained.

CAUTION! Incorrect sizing or placement can severely impact system performance and efficiency.

Installation Procedure

Follow a systematic sequence for mechanical installation.

1. Mount Outdoor Unit: Install on a stable, level base (concrete pad or wall brackets) with sufficient clearance (min. 30cm all around, 1.5m above).
2. Position Indoor Units: Place hydrobox and DHW tank in a frost-free location (e.g., utility room, garage) with service access.
3. Run Pipework: Route refrigerant lines and hydraulic pipes between units. Ensure continuous slope for condensate drain from outdoor unit.
4. Install Controller: Mount the user interface in a frequently occupied area (e.g., hallway, living room).
5. Ventilation: Ensure the installation room for the hydrobox has adequate ventilation as per manual specifications.

Electrical Connection

All electrical work must comply with national wiring regulations (e.g., IEC, NEC).

1. Connect power supply cables from the main distribution board to the outdoor unit and indoor hydrobox as per the wiring diagram.
2. Establish communication wiring between the outdoor unit, hydrobox, and controller using shielded cable.
3. Connect the circulation pump(s) and any auxiliary heaters within the hydrobox.
4. Install appropriately rated circuit breakers and residual-current devices (RCDs).

Tip: Use only the terminal designations provided in the unit's wiring diagram. Do not interchange phases.

Hydraulic Connection & Refrigerant Piping

Proper piping is critical for system longevity and efficiency.

1. Hydraulic Circuit: Connect flow and return pipes from the hydrobox to the heating distribution system (manifold). Install isolation valves, air vents, and dirt filters.
2. DHW Circuit: Connect cold water inlet and hot water outlet to the DHW tank. Install a pressure relief valve and expansion vessel on the cold line.
3. Refrigerant Piping: Use clean, dehydrated, and insulated copper pipes. Keep runs as short and straight as possible. Avoid traps.
4. Brazing & Leak Testing: Purge with nitrogen during brazing to prevent oxidation. After connection, perform a pressure test with dry nitrogen.
5. Evacuation & Charging: Evacuate the circuit to a deep vacuum (e.g., below 500 microns) to remove moisture and non-condensables. Charge with the exact type and amount of refrigerant specified on the unit's nameplate.

WARNING! Incorrect refrigerant charge is a leading cause of compressor failure.

Commissioning & Initial Setup

Power on the system and perform initial configuration.

1. Fill and pressurize the hydraulic system with water and inhibitor. Bleed all air from radiators, underfloor loops, and pump housings.
2. Switch on the main power. The controller should boot up.
3. Use the installer settings menu on the controller to select the correct system type, heating curve, DHW setpoint, and pump settings.
4. Initiate a test run of the heating and DHW modes. Check for correct operation, water flow, and temperature rise.
5. Verify defrost cycle operation on the outdoor unit.

CAUTION! Do not leave the system with air in the hydraulic circuit, as this can damage the pump.

Controller Configuration

The user interface allows for detailed system adjustment. Key installer-level settings include:

Heating Curve: Adjusts the flow temperature based on outdoor temperature. DHW Priority: Sets timing and temperature for hot water production. Pump Control: Configures pump speed (constant or weather-compensated). Anti-Legionella Function: Periodic high-temperature DHW heating cycle. Holiday Mode: Reduced temperature setpoint for energy saving. External Control Inputs: Configuration for solar thermal or boiler integration.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and warranty compliance.

• Annually (by qualified technician): Check refrigerant charge and circuit for leaks. Inspect electrical connections. Clean air filters and coil on outdoor unit. Check and clean water system filters. Verify system pressures and temperatures.
• Every 2-3 Years: Check inhibitor concentration in hydraulic fluid and top up if necessary.
• As Needed: Keep area around outdoor unit clear of leaves, snow, and debris.

CAUTION! User maintenance is limited to cleaning the outdoor unit coil with water. Do not use sharp tools or high-pressure washers.

Troubleshooting Guide

Reset: Some faults can be reset via the controller menu. Persistent errors require professional diagnosis.

Technical Specifications

• Model Range: ERLQ (Low Temperature), ERHQ (High Temperature) series, etc.
• Heating Capacity: Typically 4 kW to 16 kW (varies by model and ambient conditions).
• Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP): Up to 4.5 (A+++ energy class).
• Refrigerant: R-32 (eco-friendly, low GWP).
• Max. Flow Temperature: Up to 60°C (LT models) or 80°C (HT models).
• Power Supply: 230V, 1Ph, 50Hz (standard). Specific models may vary.
• Sound Pressure Level (Outdoor Unit): Approximately 45-60 dB(A) at 1m.
• Operating Ambient Range: Typically -25°C to +35°C for heating.
• Water Connections: Typically 3/4" or 1" BSP for heating circuit.

Service: For technical support or warranty claims, contact Daikin Europe N.V. or your local authorized Daikin distributor. Refer to the specific model's technical datasheet for exact values.