Operating instructions

3
II. INTRODUCTION TO ECONAR
HEAT PUMPS
Enertech Global, LLC, is home to ECONAR geothermal
heat pumps, a brand that has been in Minnesota for over
twenty years. The cold winter climate has driven the design
of ECONAR’s heating and cooling equipment to what is
known as a "ColdClimate" geothermal heat pump. This cold
climate technology focuses on maximizing the energy
savings available in heating dominated regions without
sacrificing comfort. Extremely efficient heating, cooling,
dehumidification and optional domestic hot water heating
are provided in one neatly packaged system.
Enertech produces three types of ECONAR heat pumps:
hydronic, which transfers energy from water to water;
forced air, which transfers energy from water to air; and
combination, which incorporates the hydronic heating unit
into a forced air unit. Geothermal heat pumps get their
name from the transfer of energy to and from the ground.
The ground-coupled heat exchanger (geothermal loop)
supplies the source energy for heating and absorbs the
discharged energy from cooling. The system uses a
compression cycle, much like your refrigerator, to collect
the ground’s energy supplied by the sun and uses it to heat
your home. Since the process only moves energy, and does
not create it, the efficiencies are three to four times higher
than most efficient fossil fuel systems.
Safety and comfort are designed into every ECONAR
geothermal heat pump. Since the system runs completely on
electrical energy, the entire home can have the safety of
being gas-free. The best engineering and quality control is
in every heat pump. Proper application and correct
installation will ensure excellent performance and customer
satisfaction. The Enertech commitment to quality is written
on the side of every heat pump built. Throughout the
manufacturing process, the technicians who assemble each
unit sign their names to the quality assurance label after
completing their inspections. As a final quality test, every
unit goes through a full run-test where the performance
and operation is verified in both the heating and cooling
modes. No other manufacturer goes as far as to run a full
performance check to ensure system quality.
This guide discusses the Ultra hydronic unit. The Ultra
uses R-410A refrigerant, which is environmentally friendly
to the earth’s protective ozone layer.
WARNING – Service of refrigerant-based equipment can
be hazardous due to elevated system pressures and
hazardous voltages. Only trained and qualified personnel
should install, repair or service. The installer is responsible
to ensure that all local electrical, plumbing, heating and air
conditioning codes are followed.
WARNING – ELECTRICAL SHOCK CAN CAUSE
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. Disconnect
all power
supplies before installing or servicing electrical devices.
Only trained and qualified personnel should install, repair
or service this equipment.
WARNING –Verify refrigerant type before servicing.
The nameplate on the heat pump identifies the type and the
amount of refrigerant. All refrigerant removed from these
units
must be reclaimed by following accepted industry and
agency procedures.
CAUTION – Ground and hydronic loops must be freeze
protected. Insufficient amounts of antifreeze may cause
severe damage and may void warranty. The hydronic loop
antifreeze must be non-flammable. Never operate with
ground or hydronic loop flow rates less than specified.
Continuous operation at low flow rates, or no flow, may
cause severe damage and may void warranty.
COMMON ACRONYMS
DHW
Domestic Hot Water
dP
Pressure Differential
EWT
Entering Water Temperature
GPM/gpm
Gallons per Minute
Ground Loop
Also known as Closed Loop
GTF
GeoThermal Transfer Fluid
HP
High Pressure
LWT
Leaving Water Temperature
LP
Low Pressure
P/T
Pressure/Temperature
VA
Volt Amperes
III. HYDRONIC HEAT PUMP
APPLICATIONS
A. Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heat tubing is probably the most popular form
of hydronic heating. It provides excellent comfort and very
high efficiencies by supplying low temperature fluid to the
floor slab and keeping the heat concentrated evenly near the
floor. Radiant floor systems heat the occupants and surfaces
directly with comfortable radiant energy. In contrast, forced
air heating moves air around the building, which can create
temperature stratification, drafts, and air rising to the
ceiling. Remember that hot air rises, radiant energy does
not.
Radiant floor heating usually consists of 1/2 inch plastic
tubing (PEX) approximately one linear foot of pipe per
square foot of floor space. This value is doubled for one
pass along the outside walls to concentrate more heat in that
area. The tubing is generally laid into the concrete slab
floor of the building. New construction techniques have
also made installation into wood floors and suspended
floors possible. The amount and spacing of the tubing is
sized to meet the heating load of the space at a certain fluid
temperature in the tubing. To optimize efficiency and
capacity, the fluid temperature in the tubing should be