Partner Spotlight: ESBE Hydronic Solutions
ESBE components have recently been added to Midsummer’s product portfolio and are now fully integrated into Heatpunk for system specification. Founded in Sweden in 1906, ESBE engineers and manufactures hydronic solutions with a strict focus on safety, energy savings, and long-term reliability. We selected ESBE as a partner because they rigorously test all products in their own facilities in Reftele, Sweden, before market release. Furthermore, their newly established UK subsidiary, led by Managing Director Darren Myers, provides installers with direct, local access to calculations, dimensioning, and technical support.
Technical focus: managing Kvs and differential pressure
For a heat pump to perform efficiently, it must run at higher flow rates and lower temperatures than traditional fossil fuel boilers. Achieving this design flow rate requires minimising resistance across the heating circuit. ESBE designs its valves with high Kvs values, meaning they offer low resistance. This allows the heat pump to circulate water with less effort, which lowers the delta T and improves overall system efficiency.
Additionally, modern heat pump installations experience high pressure. Standard spring-return diverters that use rubber balls can struggle under these conditions, often slamming shut, which causes noise and potential system damage. ESBE valves are built with high differential pressure (or "shut off pressure") ratings, ensuring they can handle higher pressures quietly and reliably without wearing out.
Key ESBE components for heat pump systems
Installers can now specify the following solutions to address common installation challenges:
- VRG133 Rotary Valves & ARA645 Actuators: The VRG133 is a 3-way valve featuring a compression fitting, suitable for both mixing and diverting operations. It is designed to pair directly with the ARA645 2-point actuator. They fit together without the need for complicated connections or linkages, ensuring quick installation and highly accurate flow regulation.
- MBA121 Motorised Ball Valves: These 2-way valves feature a pre-mounted actuator connected by a metallic spigot for secure and rapid assembly. They provide airtight closing compliant with EN12266-1. Because of their high Kvs and high shut-off pressure, they are a highly durable alternative to standard diverters in high-flow systems.
- VTN102 Anti-Freeze Valves: A maintenance-free mechanical safeguard for monobloc heat pumps. In the event of a power outage, the valve's thermostat detects if the media temperature drops below 3ºC and automatically drains the system to prevent catastrophic freezing. It features an axial seal to prevent sticking, requires no electricity, and will automatically close itself once temperatures rise above 4ºC without needing a manual reset.
- VRI100 Insulation Shells: Designed specifically for the VRG valve series, these shells reduce valve heat loss by 65%, further optimising the efficiency of the heating circuit.
How to specify ESBE products in Heatpunk
Integrating ESBE components into your system design is straightforward:
- When building your heat pump system in Heatpunk you'll be able to select Additional components once you have selected a heat pump.
- Select the specific ESBE valves, actuators, or insulation shells required for your system. Make sure you remove any other automatically selected components you no longer need.
- Once selected, these components will be included in the full bill of materials (shown on the project overview page) and will be included within the kit costs in the Financial task.
You can view the full technical specifications and trade pricing for ESBE products by visiting the Midsummer Wholesale site.