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Caution, Ground-loop heat pump applications, Caution! � � caution – Comfort-Aire HBH Series 6-10 Tons User Manual

Page 14

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IOM Manual

HBH SERIES

Heat Controller, Inc.

13

Ground-Loop Heat Pump Applications

CAUTION! The following instructions represent industry

accepted installation practices for closed loop earth coupled

heat pump systems. Instructions are provided to assist the

contractor in installing trouble free ground loops. These

instructions are recommendations only. State/provincial

and local codes MUST be followed and installation MUST

conform to ALL applicable codes. It is the responsibility of

the installing contractor to determine and comply with ALL

applicable codes and regulations.

Table 2: Antifreeze Percentages by Volume

CAUTION!

CAUTION!

Type

Minimum Temperature for Low Temperature Protection

10°F [-12.2°C]

15°F [-9.4°C]

20°F [-6.7°C]

25°F [-3.9°C]

Methanol

100% USP food grade Propylene Glycol

Ethanol*

25%

38%

29%

21%

25%

25%

16%

22%

20%

10%

15%

14%

* Must not be denatured with any petroleum based product

CAUTION! Ground loop applications require extended range

equipment and optional refrigerant/water circuit insulation.

Pre-Installation - Prior to installation, locate and mark

all existing underground utilities, piping, etc. Install loops

for new construction before sidewalks, patios, driveways,

and other construction has begun. During construction,

accurately mark all ground loop piping on the plot plan

as an aid in avoiding potential future damage to the

installation.

Piping Installation - The typical closed loop ground

source system is shown in Figure 9. All earth loop piping

materials should be limited to polyethylene fusion only for

in-ground sections of the loop. Galvanized or steel fittings

should not be used at any time due to their tendency to

corrode. All plastic to metal threaded fittings should be

avoided due to their potential to leak in earth coupled

applications. A flanged fitting should be substituted. P/T

plugs should be used so that flow can be measured using

the pressure drop of the unit heat exchanger.

Earth loop temperatures can range between 25 and

110°F [-4 to 43°C]. Flow rates between 2.25 and 3 gpm

per ton [2.41 to 3.23 l/m per kW] of cooling capacity is

recommended in these applications.

Test individual horizontal loop circuits before backfilling.

Test vertical U-bends and pond loop assemblies prior to

installation. Pressures of at least 100 psi [689 kPa] should

be used when testing. Do not exceed the pipe pressure

rating. Test entire system when all loops are assembled.

Flushing the Earth Loop - Upon completion of system

installation and testing, flush the system to remove all

foreign objects and purge to remove all air.

Antifreeze - In areas where minimum entering loop

temperatures drop below 40°F [5°C] or where piping will

be routed through areas subject to freezing, antifreeze

is required. Alcohols and glycols are commonly used as

antifreeze; however your local sales manager should be

consulted for the antifreeze best suited to your area. Low

temperature protection should be maintained to 15°F [9°C]

below the lowest expected entering loop temperature. For

example, if 30°F [-1°C] is the minimum expected entering

loop temperature, the leaving loop temperature would be

25 to 22°F [-4 to -6°C] and low temperature protection

should be at 15°F [-10°C]. Calculation is as follows:

30°F - 15°F = 15°F [-1°C - 9°C = -10°C].

All alcohols should be premixed and pumped from

a reservoir outside of the building when possible or

introduced under the water level to prevent fumes.

Calculate the total volume of fluid in the piping system.

Then use the percentage by volume shown in table 2 for

the amount of antifreeze needed. Antifreeze concentration

should be checked from a well mixed sample using a

hydrometer to measure specific gravity.

Low Water Temperature Cutout Setting - CXM Control

When antifreeze is selected, the FP1 jumper (JW3)

should be clipped to select the low temperature

(antifreeze 10°F [-12.2°C]) set point and avoid nuisance

faults (see “Low Water Temperature Cutout Selection”

in this manual).

Note: Low water temperature operation requires

extended range equipment.

CAUTION!

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CAUTION!

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