Predictika · Heat pump installation design

An AI sales agent's heat pump installation design, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an installation design for an air/water heat pump for a fictional customer: the heat pump size, the indoor or control module, pipework and flow, water volume, temperatures, electrical supply, placement and any cascade. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the rules in the manufacturer's installer manual and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: Installation designs for the NIBE F2120 air/water heat pump (F2120-16 and F2120-20, 400 V three-phase): indoor or control module, pipe size, defrost flow, water volume, temperatures, electrical supply, placement and cascade. No prices are modeled. See everything this validator covers

This validator models designs as listed in NIBE's public F2120 installer manual (IHB EN 2214-1, read October 7, 2026), not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Heat pump and module — the F2120-16 and F2120-20 and the indoor modules (VVM) and control modules (SMO) the manual lists as compatible with each; the F2120-20 is not listed with VVM S320 or VVM 310.
  • Pipework, flow and temperatures — the minimum recommended pipe size (DN 25 or DN 32), the minimum defrost flow at full pump speed (0.38 or 0.48 l/s), the recommended available water volume, heating supply temperature from 26 to 65 degrees C, return temperature up to about 55 degrees C, outdoor air down to -25 degrees C, and cooling supply down to 7 degrees C with DIP switch S1 position 4 set to ON.
  • Electrical and placement — a 400 V 3N~ 50 Hz supply, the fuse size for the model (10 A or 13 A), a miniature circuit breaker of at least curve C, an earth-fault breaker of at most 30 mA, a base at least 70 mm tall, 350 to 500 mm from the house wall (500 mm at most on wind-exposed sites), and 1,000 mm free above and in front.
  • Cascade and drainage — a non-return valve on each heat pump and a unique communication address for each in a cascade. A water volume below the recommended minimum, or no condensation water pipe, goes to a person.

Any F2120 installation design that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (the manual contains none), other NIBE heat pumps (including the F2120-8 and F2120-12, which this manual extract does not cover), accessories other than the condensation water pipe, sound, energy performance and any country-specific rules.

The AI sales agentBuilds the heat pump installation design from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
Pipe size and flow that depend on the modelOnly with care
The minimum pipe size and defrost flow differ between the F2120-16 and the F2120-20, so each needs its own lookup that must be kept in step.		Both are computed from the chosen model on every call and compared with the design.
A module that is listed for one size but not the otherOnly with workarounds
Compatibility between each heat pump and each indoor or control module is a cross-product that has to be listed pair by pair.		The listed pairs are checked together with every other rule, in the same pass.
A stated minimum flow that must match the manualOnly with care
A stated figure typed by a rep has to be compared separately with the figure for the model.		The stated defrost flow is compared with the computed one together with the other choices.
Rules that apply only to a cascadeOnly with workarounds
Valves and addresses matter only with more than one heat pump, so they need conditional rules that are easy to miss.		They apply only when more than one heat pump is chosen, and come back with the other findings.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the design is saved or a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The manual lists the F2,120-20 with VVM 500, SMO 20, SMO 40 and SMO S40 only; the chosen indoor module is not listed for it.
2The F2,120 needs an incoming supply of 400 V 3N~ 50 Hz; the design uses a different supply.
3The design has a 10 A fuse; the manual lists 13 A for this heat pump.
4The design has a 13 A fuse; the manual lists 10 A for this heat pump.
5A miniature circuit breaker must have at least triggering characteristic C; the design uses another one.
6The design has an earth-fault breaker tripping at 31 mA; the manual says no more than 30 mA.
7The design has DN 25 pipework; the manual recommends at least DN 32 for this heat pump.
8The design has DN 20 pipework; the manual recommends at least DN 25 for this heat pump.
9The system flow at 100 percent pump speed is 0.47 l/s; the heat pump needs at least 0.48 l/s for defrosting.
10The system flow at 100 percent pump speed is 0.37 l/s; the heat pump needs at least 0.38 l/s for defrosting.
11The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.38 l/s; the manual lists 0.48 l/s for this heat pump.
12The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.48 l/s; the manual lists 0.38 l/s for this heat pump.
13The design has a heating supply temperature of 66 degrees C; continuous operation is listed from 26 to 65 degrees C.
14The design has a heating supply temperature of 25 degrees C; continuous operation is listed from 26 to 65 degrees C.
15The design has a return temperature of 56 degrees C; the heat pump operates up to a return temperature of about 55 degrees C.
16The design outdoor air temperature is -26 degrees C; heating operation is listed from -25 degrees C.
17The design has a cooling supply temperature of 6 degrees C; the F2,120 supplies cooling down to 7 degrees C.
18The design includes cooling but DIP switch S1 position 4 is not set to ON; the manual requires it for cooling.
19The design has a cooling supply temperature of 5 degrees C; the F2,120 supplies cooling down to 7 degrees C.
20The design places the heat pump 349 mm from the wall; at least 350 mm is needed, and not more than 500 mm where the site is exposed to wind.
21The design places the heat pump 600 mm from the wall; at least 350 mm is needed, and not more than 500 mm where the site is exposed to wind.
22The design leaves 999 mm free above the heat pump; at least 1,000 mm is needed.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Two heat pumps in cascade on a windy site: Two F2120-20 in cascade on a windy site, without valves, addresses or enough pipe

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for 2 NIBE F2120-20 heat pumps in cascade with a control module SMO S40, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 25 pipework, a system flow of 0.60 l/s at full pump speed, 200 litres of available water, a heating supply of 45 degrees C and a return of 40 degrees C, a 13 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 30 mA, 600 mm from the wall on a wind-exposed site, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water piped with accessory KVR 11; each pump has no a non-return valve and has no a unique address. The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.48 l/s. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Pipe smaller than recommended. The design has DN 25 pipework; the manual recommends at least DN 32 for this heat pump.
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  • Distance to the house wall outside 350 to 500 mm. The design places the heat pump 600 mm from the wall; at least 350 mm is needed, and not more than 500 mm where the site is exposed to wind.
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  • Cascade without a non-return valve on each heat pump. The design has 2 heat pumps in cascade; each heat pump must be fitted with a non-return valve.
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  • Cascade heat pumps need unique addresses. The design has 2 heat pumps in cascade; each must have a unique communication address.
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2. Two heat pumps in cascade on a windy site: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for 2 NIBE F2120-20 heat pumps in cascade with a control module SMO S40, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 32 pipework, a system flow of 0.60 l/s at full pump speed, 200 litres of available water, a heating supply of 45 degrees C and a return of 40 degrees C, a 13 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 30 mA, 450 mm from the wall on a wind-exposed site, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water without a pipe; each pump has a non-return valve and has a unique address. The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.48 l/s. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Condensation water drainage to confirm. The design has no condensation water pipe; the manual does not include one and suggests accessory KVR 11, so a person should confirm the drainage.
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  • Design summary. This heat pump needs DN 32 pipework, a defrost flow of at least 0.48 l/s, a 13 A fuse and 200 litres of available water.
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3. Two heat pumps in cascade on a windy site: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for 2 NIBE F2120-20 heat pumps in cascade with a control module SMO S40, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 32 pipework, a system flow of 0.60 l/s at full pump speed, 200 litres of available water, a heating supply of 45 degrees C and a return of 40 degrees C, a 13 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 30 mA, 450 mm from the wall on a wind-exposed site, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water piped with accessory KVR 11; each pump has a non-return valve and has a unique address. The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.48 l/s. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Design summary. This heat pump needs DN 32 pipework, a defrost flow of at least 0.48 l/s, a 13 A fuse and 200 litres of available water.
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4. Module, electrics and flow: An F2120-20 with VVM S320, the wrong fuse and earth-fault breaker and low flow

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for one NIBE F2120-20 heat pump with a indoor module VVM S320, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 32 pipework, a system flow of 0.40 l/s at full pump speed, 200 litres of available water, a heating supply of 45 degrees C and a return of 40 degrees C, a 10 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 100 mA, 400 mm from the wall, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water piped with accessory KVR 11. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Indoor or control module not listed with this heat pump. The manual lists the F2,120-20 with VVM 500, SMO 20, SMO 40 and SMO S40 only; the chosen indoor module is not listed for it.
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  • Fuse size does not match. The design has a 10 A fuse; the manual lists 13 A for this heat pump.
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  • Earth-fault breaker above 30 mA. The design has an earth-fault breaker tripping at 100 mA; the manual says no more than 30 mA.
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  • Defrost flow too low. The system flow at 100 percent pump speed is 0.40 l/s; the heat pump needs at least 0.48 l/s for defrosting.
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5. Module, electrics and flow: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for one NIBE F2120-16 heat pump with a indoor module VVM S320, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 25 pipework, a system flow of 0.45 l/s at full pump speed, 160 litres of available water, a heating supply of 45 degrees C and a return of 40 degrees C, a 10 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 30 mA, 400 mm from the wall, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water piped with accessory KVR 11. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Design summary. This heat pump needs DN 25 pipework, a defrost flow of at least 0.38 l/s, a 10 A fuse and 160 litres of available water.
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6. Cooling and temperatures: Cooling to 5 degrees C without the DIP switch, with high supply and return temperatures

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for one NIBE F2120-16 heat pump with a control module SMO 40, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 25 pipework, a system flow of 0.45 l/s at full pump speed, 160 litres of available water, a heating supply of 70 degrees C and a return of 58 degrees C, a 10 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 30 mA, 400 mm from the wall, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water piped with accessory KVR 11, cooling at a supply temperature of 5 degrees C with DIP switch S1 position 4 not ON. The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.38 l/s. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Supply temperature outside 26 to 65 degrees. The design has a heating supply temperature of 70 degrees C; continuous operation is listed from 26 to 65 degrees C.
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  • Return temperature above 55 degrees. The design has a return temperature of 58 degrees C; the heat pump operates up to a return temperature of about 55 degrees C.
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  • Cooling supply below 7 degrees. The design has a cooling supply temperature of 5 degrees C; the F2,120 supplies cooling down to 7 degrees C.
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  • Cooling needs DIP switch S1 position 4 ON. The design includes cooling but DIP switch S1 position 4 is not set to ON; the manual requires it for cooling.
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7. Cooling and temperatures: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please check an installation design for one NIBE F2120-16 heat pump with a control module SMO 40, on a 400 V three-phase supply, with DN 25 pipework, a system flow of 0.45 l/s at full pump speed, 160 litres of available water, a heating supply of 55 degrees C and a return of 45 degrees C, a 10 A fuse and an earth-fault breaker of 30 mA, 400 mm from the wall, 1,000 mm free above and 1,000 mm in front, on a base 100 mm tall, condensation water piped with accessory KVR 11, cooling at a supply temperature of 7 degrees C with DIP switch S1 position 4 ON. The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.38 l/s. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Design summary. This heat pump needs DN 25 pipework, a defrost flow of at least 0.38 l/s, a 10 A fuse and 160 litres of available water.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an installation design for an air/water heat pump for a fictional customer: the heat pump size, the indoor or control module, pipework and flow, and more. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the rules in the manufacturer's installer manual and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please check an installation design for 2 NIBE F2120-20 heat pumps in cascade with a control module SMO S40, on a 400 V three-phase supply. The design states a minimum defrost flow of 0.48 l/s. The rest of the request is on screen.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with four findings, all in one answer. The design has DN 25 pipework; the manual recommends at least DN 32 for this heat pump. The design places the heat pump 600 mm from the wall; at least 350 mm is needed, and not more than 500 mm where the site is exposed to wind. The design has 2 heat pumps in cascade; each heat pump must be fitted with a non-return valve. The other one is on screen.
    6. 
      
  6. The validator returned four blocking findings in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for pipe size and flow that depend on the model, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the pipe size to 32 DN, the distance to wall to 450 mm, the condensation water to no pipe, the non-return valve on each pump to yes and the unique addresses to yes.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. Not blocked, but held for a person.
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  12. The four blocking findings are cleared; one approval remains for a person: condensation water drainage to confirm.
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  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the condensation water to Accessory KVR 11.
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  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. The earlier finding is cleared.
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  18. Four problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer.
    19.