ESP32-based alternative controller for Panasonic Aquarea heat pumps
PanaProxy is an ideal solution for users looking for an alternative controller for Panasonic Aquarea series heat pumps, offering high flexibility and extensive integration capabilities with home automation systems.
The controller is based on the ESP32 platform and has been designed with full Home Assistant integration in mind. Thanks to the ESPHome framework, the device can be quickly deployed as a home automation component responsible for controlling home heating or monitoring the operation of the original controller. Individual heat pump parameters are exposed as entities in Home Assistant, enabling the creation of advanced automations and scenarios tailored to the user’s individual needs.
🔧 Key technical features
- ✅ ESP32-C3 – energy-efficient microcontroller with Wi-Fi and BLE
- 🌐 Built-in 2.4 GHz antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 🔌 Alternative 5V power supply via USB-C connector
- 🖧 RJ45 connector for Ethernet communication (PanaProxy-ETH only)
- 🔧 Compatible with Panasonic Aquarea heat pumps
- 🏠 ESPHome compatible – full integration with Home Assistant
The device is equipped with a dual connector compatible with the original controller interface. This allows it to be connected to the heat pump using the original cables replacing the factory controller, or installed in series with the original controller. In this configuration, it can operate as a monitoring device that collects operational data from the heat pump and transmits it to a home automation system.
The PanaProxy project is based on the popular HeishaMon project. PanaProxy extends the functionality of HeishaMon by offering native operation within Home Assistant environments and enabling the use of all ESPHome features, such as automations executed directly on the device, COP (Coefficient of Performance) calculation, and integration with other sensors and devices within the home automation ecosystem.
⚙️ Hardware options
Two variants of the device are available: a basic version equipped with a built-in 2.4 GHz antenna enabling wireless Wi-Fi communication (PanaProxy), and an extended version that additionally includes an Ethernet port for a stable wired connection (PanaProxy-ETH).
🛒 Availability
PanaProxy is currently at the final phase of development stage. Wanna become one of the first users? Contact us at [email protected].
🛠 Complete openness and flexibility – take control your way
The device works directly with Home Assistant via ESPHome, enabling:
- 📤 Publishing data to MQTT, native API, REST endpoints, or TCP/UDP sockets
- 🔧 Easy configuration via YAML or a graphical interface
- 🔄 OTA firmware updates
Everything operates locally – no intermediaries or cloud required.
PanaProxy is designed for users who value full control over their hardware. By default, it runs on ESPHome, but you can also:
- 🔄 Upload your own firmware (ESP-IDF, Arduino, MicroPython, etc.)
- 🔌 Integrate the device with other automation systems
With open access to the code, documentation, and the well-known ESP32 ecosystem, the gateway can be easily adapted to custom needs and protocols.
Firmware available on: https://github.com/IoTLabs-pl/PanaProxy