Navien and Passiv UK partner on smart heat pump controls

UK – Navien has partnered with Passiv UK to integrate the Passiv Smart Thermostat with its PEM750 air-source heat pump, providing automated flow temperature control alongside optimisation for time-of-use electricity tariffs and surplus solar generation.

The control connects directly with the PEM750 without requiring additional hardware and is designed to continuously adjust flow temperature according to the heating requirements of the property.

Improving heat pump performance

Passiv’s ecoHeat function learns how a property heats and cools and uses local weather forecasts to determine the lowest suitable flow temperature while maintaining the required indoor temperature.

An Energy Saving Trust assessment found that Passiv controls increased average space-heating COP by 17%, based on modelling using field-trial data.

The finding relates to Passiv’s control approach rather than specifically to the Navien PEM750 combination.

Heat pumps shouldn’t require homeowners to become energy experts. The technology should do the hard work in the background

Ian Rose, Managing Director, Passiv UK

The system can also alter heat pump operation in response to time-of-use tariffs and forecast solar PV generation, shifting electricity consumption towards lower-cost periods or periods when surplus solar electricity is expected to be available.

Installer monitoring included

Installers using the combined system will have access to the Passiv Portal for remote monitoring and diagnostics.

Passiv says the direct control approach also removes the need for installers to manually establish a static weather-compensation curve.

Navien’s R290 PEM750 air-to-water range is available in 4kW, 6kW, 8kW, 10kW and 17kW capacities.

The Navien and Passiv combination is being made available through Ultimate Renewables Supplies, UKPS and selected merchants in the UK.