If you are considering an air source heat pump for a property, you may come across the term Daikin monobloc heat pump. But what does “monobloc” actually mean, and how does a Daikin Altherma system work?
Daikin offers the Altherma 3 M range as a low-temperature air-to-water monobloc solution. It is designed around a single outdoor unit and can provide heating, with reversible models also offering cooling.
Understanding the system configuration can help when comparing different air source heat pump options.
What Is a Monobloc Heat Pump?
A monobloc heat pump combines the main hydraulic components into one outdoor unit. Unlike a split heat pump, which has separate indoor and outdoor units connected by refrigerant pipework, a monobloc system uses water connections between the outdoor heat pump and the property's heating system.
The Daikin Altherma 3 M is described by Daikin as an “all-in-one” monobloc concept incorporating the hydraulic parts within the outdoor unit.
This configuration can be useful where indoor space is limited because there is no requirement for a conventional indoor heat pump unit.
How Does a Daikin Monobloc Heat Pump Work?
A Daikin Altherma 3 M takes heat energy from the outside air and transfers it into the property's water-based heating system.
The system can connect to different heat emitters, including underfloor heating, newer low-temperature radiators and heat pump convectors. Depending on the model and system design, it can also be connected to a domestic hot water tank.
The exact system design should be determined according to the property's heat demand, existing heating system and hot water requirements.
Daikin Altherma 3 M: Heating-Only and Reversible Options
One important difference within the monobloc range is whether the system provides heating only or both heating and cooling.
Heating-Only Monobloc
The Daikin Altherma 3 M heating-only models are designed for air-to-water heating applications. Daikin lists the EDLA04-08EV3 range as a heating-only monobloc system that can also be combined with domestic hot water.
This type of configuration may be considered where the main requirement is space heating.
Reversible Monobloc
Daikin also offers reversible Altherma 3 M models that provide both heating and cooling. The EBLA04-08EV3, for example, is described as a reversible air-to-water monobloc system.
This can provide greater flexibility where cooling is also required, although the suitability of cooling will depend on the property's emitters and overall system design.
Why Choose a Monobloc Configuration?
One of the main characteristics of a monobloc system is its compact installation arrangement.
Because the main hydraulic components are contained within the outdoor unit, Daikin states that the Altherma 3 M can simplify installation requirements and is suitable where indoor space is limited.
For certain projects, this can be an important consideration when comparing a monobloc with a split heat pump.
However, installation requirements still depend on the property, pipework, controls, cylinder arrangement and selected model.
Can a Daikin Monobloc Provide Hot Water?
Yes, the Altherma 3 M can be combined with a domestic hot water tank. Daikin lists optional domestic hot water tanks from 150 to 300 litres on its current Altherma 3 M product information.
The exact cylinder size and configuration should be selected according to the property's hot water requirements rather than simply choosing the largest available option.
What About Cold Weather?
Air source heat pumps are designed to operate in outdoor temperatures that can be significantly below normal room temperature.
Daikin states that the Altherma 3 M can operate down to -25°C, with domestic hot water temperatures of up to 60°C listed on its UK product information.
Actual performance depends on the specific model, operating conditions and system design, so product specifications should always be checked before selecting a particular unit.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Daikin Monobloc?
A monobloc heat pump should not be selected based on output alone. Before choosing a system, consider:
- The property's calculated heat demand
- Available outdoor space
- Existing radiators or underfloor heating
- Domestic hot water requirements
- Whether cooling is required
- Required flow temperatures
- Electrical supply
- Pipework requirements
- Insulation and overall building performance
- The specific Daikin model and configuration
A proper heat-loss assessment and system design are important before the final heat pump is selected.
Daikin Monobloc vs Split Heat Pump
The key difference is the system configuration.
A monobloc places the main hydraulic components in the outdoor unit and uses water connections to the indoor heating system.
A split system separates the outdoor and indoor components and uses refrigerant connections between them.
Neither configuration should automatically be considered suitable for every property. The choice depends on the building, installation requirements, available space and the system being designed.
Is a Daikin Monobloc Heat Pump Right for Your Property?
Daikin monobloc heat pumps can be an option for properties where a low-temperature air-to-water system is appropriate and indoor space is limited.
The Altherma 3 M range offers heating-only and reversible heating/cooling configurations, can connect to domestic hot water tanks and is designed to work with suitable low-temperature heat emitters.
The important step is to select the correct model and system configuration based on the property's actual heating and hot water requirements.
Final Thoughts
A Daikin monobloc heat pump is a low-temperature air-to-water heat pump where the main hydraulic components are incorporated into the outdoor unit. This can provide a compact alternative to a split configuration and can be particularly useful where indoor space is limited.
The Daikin Altherma 3 M range includes heating-only and reversible models, with options for domestic hot water integration and connection to suitable heating emitters.
If you are comparing air source heat pump systems, look beyond the unit itself. The property's heat demand, heating emitters, hot water requirements, available space and complete system design all need to be considered before selecting the appropriate Daikin monobloc solution.