The Reformer: The Wilo-Stratos PICO
Wilo-Stratos ECO, the first high-efficiency pump for detached and semi-detached houses
Between 1994 and 1998, various concepts and proto-types for EC motor pumps in the performance range of 20 and 40 watts were tested. Following multiple test versions, the first series pump with an EC motor in the field of small circulators was introduced on the market in 2003, the Wilo-Stratos ECO.
But shortly after the market introduction, the need arose for a redevelopment of the small circulators. This was caused by three key factors:
Customers on the market showed an interest in a display on the pump that could display the current power consumption (electricity consumption) of the pump as well as the annual power consumption. In contrast to the big circulators, where displays had been a common feature since 1997, small circulators did not have a display unit until this time.
Due to the rapid development in the field of electronics, the components used became outdated and therefore far too expensive and large just a few years after they were introduced on the market. The Wilo-Stratos ECO had an electronics housing that was relatively large as compared to the pump and protruded beyond the motor considerably.
European lawmakers were working on a law that was to specify stricter requirements regarding the energy efficiency of glandless pumps, the Ecodesign Directive (ErP directive). This challenge for the pump industry, entitled “Eco-Design Requirements for Energy-Using Products”, aims at achieving more conscious energy management during the entire service life of a product, from production to disposal.
In 2009, the Wilo-Stratos PICO is the first high-efficiency pump with better consumption figures than required for a Class A energy label.
The refinement resulted in the Wilo-Stratos PICO, which was introduced at the ISH in 2009. It is characterised by an extremely large performance range from 3 to 60 watts. The Wilo-Stratos PICO has a modern display and operating concept and a very compact design. It is used mainly as a heating pump for single- and two-family houses and can also be used for air conditioning and drinking water applications.
When the new generation of small circulators entered the market, it was already well below the energy requirements that would come into effect with the European Ecodesign Directive (ErP directive) in 2013 and 2015 and held a leading position in terms of technology. It set new standards with regard to energy efficiency and recorded enormous energy savings. The Wilo-Stratos PICO reduced the electricity requirement by up to 90 per cent as compared to the electricity requirement that was typical for heating pumps up until then. This sensational energy efficiency was also certified by German inspection association TÜV SÜD.
Wilo-Stratos PICO “Borussia Dortmund Special Edition”
Since then, the Wilo-Stratos PICO series has been continuously developed and its highly efficient performance is regularly certified by TÜV SÜD. In 2020, the high-efficiency pump was awarded the Plus X Award 2020. Decisive factors were the high quality, ease of operation and functionality. The Wilo-Stratos PICO is especially suitable for detached and semi-detached houses, but also for small apartment buildings.
There was even a special design for fans in 2013. That year, Wilo-Stratos PICO and Borussia Dortmund had two things in common: Not only do both have their roots in Dortmund, they both donned black and yellow. Wilo, as an official Champion Partner of the football club, offered the most popular heating pump on the market in Germany in 2012 in Borussia Dortmund’s colours. The Wilo-Stratos PICO “Borussia Dortmund Special Edition” was a limited edition pump with only 3,000 pieces available. While it had all the advantages of the popular PICO model, the only and big difference was the colour scheme.
