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Refrig Trouble Hooting Manual
Refrig Trouble Hooting Manual
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Refrigeration/Troubleshooting Manual
Rev.: 10 Jun 2010-A P/N: 23-23-0028-001
Overview ................................................................ 2 Water-to-Air Refrigerant Circuit ........................... 3 Refrig. Ckt. Component Operation .................... 3 Water-to-Water Refrigerant Circuit ..................... 5 Split System Circuit ................................................ 6 Combination Unit Refrigeration Circuit .............. 6 Heating Operation ................................................ 7 Cooling Operation ................................................ 8 Summary ................................................................ 9
Overview .............................................................. 15 Denitions ............................................................. 15 Checking Superheat and Subcooling.............. 15 Pressure/Temperature Chart R-410A ................. 16 Pressure/Temperature Chart R-22 ..................... 17 Superheat/Subcooling Measurements ............ 18 Putting It All Together .......................................... 19 Superheat/Subcooling Tables ........................... 20 Examples ......................................................... 21-22
Section 3: Superheat/Subcooling
Section 1: Geothermal Refrigeration Circuits Overview Geothermal heat pumps are available in a variety of congurations to provide exibility for installation in new construction or retrot applications. Most common in North America are packaged water-toair heat pumps, which provide forced air heating and cooling. Packaged units (see gure 1) have the compressor section and the air handler section in the same cabinet. Other types of geothermal heat pumps include water-to-water, split system, and combination units. Water-to-water heat pumps heat or chill water instead of heating or cooling the air (see gure 5). The difference between a water-to-air and water-to-water heat pump is the load heat exchanger. A second water-to-refrigerant coil is substituted for the air to refrigerant coil. The source heat Figure 1: Water-to-Air Refrigeration Circuit
Liquid line (heating) To suction line bulb Liquid line (cooling)
exchanger (water-to-water and waterto-air units) is connected to the ground loop or open loop (well water) system. The load heat exchanger is connected to the hydronic load (for example, radiant oor heating) for water-to-water units. The load heat exchanger in a water-to-air unit is the air coil, which is connected to duct work. Split systems are water-to-air heat pumps (see gure 6) with the compressor section and air handler sections in separate cabinets. A copper refrigerant line set connects the two pieces together. Combination units provide a water-to-air and a water-to-water heat pump in the same cabinet (see gure 7). A combination unit can heat or cool the air, and heat water for hydronic applications. Combination units are not set up to chill water.
5
TXV
To suction line
6
Filter Drier
2
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
4
Discharge
Suction
Suction
Air Coil
Air Coil
Coax
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
Suction
1 3
Discharge Discharge
Source Coax
Section 1: Geothermal Refrigeration Circuits Water-to-Air Refrigerant Circuit The water-to-air geothermal heat pump refrigerant circuit is very simple compared to air source heat pumps. Defrost cycle is not required, and all components are indoors in a single cabinet. The main components shown in gure 1 are the compressor (1), the air coil (2), the coaxial heat exchanger (3), the reversing valve (4), the TXV or thermal expansion valve (5), and the lter drier (6). Compressor: The compressor (1) is the heart of the system. The compressor pumps refrigerant through the circuit, and increases the pressure of the refrigerant. Since pressure and temperature are directly related, when the pressure is increased, the temperature is also increased. When the temperature of the refrigerant is raised to a higher temperature than the temperature of the air owing through the air coil (2) in heating, heat is released to the air to heat the building. Likewise, when the refrigerant temperature is raised to a higher temperature than the water owing through the coaxial heat exchanger (3) in cooling, heat is released to the water. Figure 2: Scroll Operation Enertech Manufacturing uses Copeland Scroll compressors. A scroll is an involute spiral which, when matched with a mating spiral scroll form as shown in gure 2, generates a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets between the two members. Scroll compressors work by moving one spiral element inside another stationary spiral to create a series of gas pockets that become smaller and increase the pressure of the gas. The largest openings are at the outside of the scroll where the gas enters on the suction side. As these gas pockets are closed off by the moving spiral they move towards the center of the spirals and become smaller and smaller. This increases the pressure on the gas until it reaches the center of the spiral and is discharged through a port near the center of the scroll. Both the suction process (outer portion of the scroll members) and the discharge process (inner portion) are continuous. The moving scroll moves in an orbiting path within the stationary (xed) scroll as it creates the series of gas pockets. During compression, several pockets are being compressed simultaneously, resulting in
Compression in the The open passages scroll is created by the are sealed off as gas is interaction of an orbiting drawn into the spiral. spiral and a stationary spiral. Gas enters the outer openings as one of the spirals orbits.
As the spiral continues to orbit, the gas is compressed into two increasingly smaller pockets.
By the time the gas arrives at the center port, discharge pressure has been reached.
Actually, during operation, all six gas passages are in various stages of compression at all times, resulting in nearly continuous suction and discharge.
Section 1: Geothermal Refrigeration Circuits a very smooth process. By maintaining an even number (six in a Copeland Scroll compressor) of balanced gas pockets on opposite sides, the compression forces inside the scroll work to balance each other and reduce vibration inside the compressor. Single speed and two-stage (UltraTech) scroll compressors are used in Enertech Manufacturings product line. The two-stage scroll works exactly like the single speed scroll shown in gure 2, but it has additional components, a solenoid valve, and bypass ports in the scroll mechanism. When the solenoid valve opens the bypass ports as shown in gure 3, the capacity is reduced to 67%, since part of the scroll is bypassed. Figure 3: UltraTech Operation pump to switch from heating to cooling. The normal (non-energized) mode is heating. Therefore, the discharge gas from the compressor ows to the air coil in the non-energized mode. When the reversing valve solenoid is energized in cooling, the valve switches to allow the discharge gas from the compressor to ow to the coaxial heat exchanger. The reversing valve is a pilot-operated valve, which means that the solenoid opens a small port, connecting the copper tubing from the bottom port (discharge line from the compressor) to the valve chamber. The high pressure of the discharge line forces the valve to switch from one mode to the other. Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV): The TXV (5) meters refrigerant to make sure that the proper amount of refrigerant is being fed to the heat exchangers in order to maximize the condensing and evaporating functions. The TXV is also important in keeping liquid refrigerant from reaching the suction line of the compressor, which could damage the compressor. The TXV is designed to operate bi-directionally in packaged water-to-air and water-to-water heat pumps. Figure 4: TXV Operation
Air Coil: The air coil (2), a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger servers as the condenser in heating, and the evaporator in cooling. Coaxial Heat Exchanger: The coaxial heat exchanger (3), a water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger, serves as the evaporator in heating, and the condenser in cooling. Reversing Valve: The reversing valve (4) provides the ability to switch functions of the two heat exchangers, above. As shown in gure 1, the discharge line from the compressor is always connected to the bottom of the reversing valve. The center connection at the top is always connected to the suction line from the compressor. The other two connections allow the heat Enertech Manufacturing, LLC. 4
Diaphram
Valve Seat
Pin
Section 1: Geothermal Refrigeration Circuits Figure 4 shows the operation of the TXV, and the four forces that affect the operation. The TXV has two copper ttings for connection to the air coil and coaxial heat exchanger, as well as two smaller copper lines that are used for metering. One line is connected to a bulb that is attached to the suction line of the compressor. The bulb is lled with refrigerant. As the suction line temperature changes, the bulb pressure changes. The other line is connected directly to the suction line. The bulb pressure (force 1) pushes down on the diaphragm as the bulb pressure increases (suction line temperature increases). When the pressure pushes down on the diaphragm, the pin (which is attached to the diaphragm) is pushed away from the valve seat, which opens the valve. The other line, connected directly to the suction line uses suction pressure (force 2) to push up on the diaphragm as the pressure increases. As the diaphragm is pushed up, the pin is pushed into the valve seat, closing Figure 5: Water-to-Water Refrigerant Circuit
Condenser (heating) Evaporator (cooling)
Liquid line (heating) To suction line bulb
the valve. This relationship of temperature (bulb pressure) and pressure (suction line) creates a balancing effect, which causes the valve to meter at 0F superheat (see section 3 for explanation of superheat). Since it is important to make sure that liquid is not returning to the compressor, the valve spring (force 3) is adjusted to fool the valve into balancing at a higher superheat (usually 10 to 12F). Force 4 (liquid pressure) is an opening force. Filter Drier: The lter drier (6) functions exactly as its name implies. It lters any particles from the refrigerant system, and it pulls moisture from the system. It is extremely important that the lter drier is changed any time the refrigerant circuit is open for a component replacement or repair, especially for systems with R-410A refrigerant. R-410A uses P.O.E. oil, which is hygroscopic (tendency of a material to absorb moisture from the air). Moisture contaminates the refrigerant circuit over time, and must be avoided.
To suction line
Reversing Valve
Discharge
Source Coax
Source Coax
Load Coax
Load Coax
Suction
Heating Mode
Suction
Cooling Mode
Suction
Source Coax
Discharge Discharge
Section 1: Geothermal Refrigeration Circuits Water-to-Water Refrigerant Circuit The water-to-water heat pump refrigerant circuit, as shown in gure 5, functions exactly the same as the the water-to-air refrigerant circuit with one exception. The air coil is replaced by a second coaxial heat exchanger. The source coax is the same as the water-to-air unit coax. However, the load coax heats or chills water instead of heating or cooling the air. Split System Refrigeration Circuit Geothermal split systems utilize all of the same components as a packaged waterto-air heat pump. The difference is that the compressor section is remote from the air handler section. An additional TXV is required, however, since the air handler and compressor system were not designed to be included in the same cabinet. There could be variability in systems due to line set lengths, which requires a cooling TXV (air Figure 6: Split System Refrigerant Circuit
Air Handler
To suction line bulb Common liquid line To suction line bulb
handler) and a heating TXV (compressor section). If the TXV for the air handler is not factory installed, it is important to make sure that the TXV is installed in the correct direction, as shown in gure 6. Combination Unit Refrigeration Circuit The combination geothermal heat pump is essentially a water-to-air and a water-towater heat pump in the same cabinet (see gure 7) . The addition of two components allows the heat pump to switch between heating or cooling the air, and heating water. A second reversing valve (labeled Direction Valve) determines if the heat pump will operate as a water-to-air unit or a water-to-water unit. The 3-way valve selects the condenser (air coil or load coax) in the heating mode. The direction valve and 3-way valve work in conjunction to select the appropriate heat exchangers. The reversing valve works exactly like the reversing valve in a water-to-air heat pump.
Compressor Section
To suction line
Filter Drier
IN IN
To suction line
Clg TXV
Htg TXV
Air Coil
Line set
Reversing Valve
Discharge
Suction
Suction
Air Coil
Air Coil
Coax
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
Suction
Source Coax
Discharge Discharge
Condenser (water heating) Not used in cooling Air Coil 3-Way Valve
To suction line bulb Liquid line (cooling) To suction line Filter Drier
To discharge line
To suction line
Load Coax
Source Coax
Direction Valve
Discharge
Reversing Valve
Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting)
Suction
Heating Operation For the purposes of discussing the refrigerant circuit operation in heating and cooling modes, the water-to-air circuit will be used. The other congurations directly apply with minor terminology/component changes. In heating mode (see gure 8), the reversing valve is not energized. The high temperature, high pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor ows to the air coil. As the air moves through the air coil, the cool (typically 70F) air causes the hot refrigerant (typically 130 to 180F) to condense into a liquid. Thus, the air coil is the condenser in the heating mode. After leaving the air coil (condenser), the refrigerant is approximately the Refrigeration/Troubleshooting Guide 10 Jun 2010-A 7
temperature of the leaving air. The refrigerant is within a few psi of being at the same pressure as it was at the compressor discharge line. This is the heating liquid line. The liquid line of a packaged unit changes location, depending upon the mode of operation. It is always located between the TXV and the condenser. However, since a geothermal unit is a heat pump, the condenser can either be the air coil (heating) or coaxial water coil (cooling). At the TXV, the refrigerant is forced through a very small opening, which causes a large pressure drop. As mentioned earlier, pressure and temperature are directly related, so the temperature also drops after the TXV. At this point, the refrigerant is a low temperature liquid (typically 15 to 50F, depending upon loop temperature). Enertech Manufacturing, LLC.
To suction line
Filter Drier
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
Discharge
Suction
Source Coax
The warm water (or water/antifreeze solution) owing through the coaxial heat exchanger (typically 30 to 60F) causes the cold refrigerant to boil off (evaporate) into a gas or vapor. Thus, the coax is the evaporator in heating. After leaving the coax (evaporator), the refrigerant is now approximately the same temperature as the water entering the heat pump. This low pressure gas enters the compressor, and the cycle starts all over again. Proper refrigerant metering will insure that no liquid is returned to the compressor. Section 3 discusses superheat and subcooling, which allow the technician to evaluate how well the condenser and evaporator are operating. Cooling Operation In cooling mode (see gure 9), the reversing valve must be energized. The high Enertech Manufacturing, LLC. 8
temperature, high pressure refrigerant gas from the compressor ows to the coaxial heat exchanger. As the water (or water/ antifreeze solution) ows through the coax, the cool (typically 50 to 100F) water causes the hot refrigerant (typically 130 to 180F) to condense into a liquid. Thus, the coax is the condenser in the cooling mode. After leaving the coax (condenser), the refrigerant is approximately the temperature of the water leaving the coax. The refrigerant is within a few psi of the compressor discharge line pressure. This is the cooling liquid line. The liquid line of a packaged unit changes location, depending upon the mode of operation. It is always located between the TXV and the condenser. However, since a geothermal unit is a heat pump, the condenser can either be the air coil (heating) or coaxial water coil (cooling). Refrigeration/Troubleshooting Guide, 10 Jun 2010-A
To suction line
Filter Drier
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
Discharge
Suction
Source Coax
At the TXV, the refrigerant is forced through a very small opening, which causes a large pressure drop. Once again, since pressure and temperature are directly related, the temperature also drops after the TXV. At this point, the refrigerant is a low temperature liquid (typically 35 to 45F, depending upon return air temperature and air ow). The warm air owing through the air coil (typically 70 to 80F) causes the cold refrigerant to boil off (evaporate) into a gas or vapor. Thus, the air coil is the evaporator in cooling. After leaving the air coil (evaporator), the refrigerant is now approximately the same temperature as the air entering the heat pump. This low pressure gas enters the compressor, and the cycle starts all over again.
Summary To summarize, refrigerant circuits in geothermal heat pumps can be congured for packaged water-to-air, water-to-water, split systems or combination water-to-air and water-to-water units. All circuits utilize a Copeland scroll (single or two-stage) compressor, one or two water-to-refrigerant coaxial coils, an air-to-refrigerant coil, a reversing valve, a bi-directional TXV, and a lter drier. Combination units include a direction valve and a 3-way valve to switch condenser operation. The air coil operates as the condenser in heating, and the evaporator in cooling. The source (loop) coax operates as the condenser in cooling and the evaporator in heating. Water-to-water units use a second coax instead of the air coil. The reversing valve is energized in the cooling mode. The non-energized mode is heating.
Section 2: Heat of Extraction/Heat of Rejection Overview As mentioned in section 1, most geothermal heat pumps are packaged water-to-air heat pumps. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit is evacuated and charged at the factory, and there is no need to connect refrigerant gauges unless the technician has veried that there is a refrigerant circuit problem. Since connecting gauges can cause a loss of charge and affect performance, Enertech Manufacturing recommends against connecting refrigerant gauges at startup. There are a number of checks that can be made at startup to verify performance without connecting refrigerant gauges. Heat of extraction is a calculation of the amount of heat that is being extracted or absorbed from the water or water/antifreeze solution by the evaporator (coaxial heat exchanger) in the heating mode. Heat of rejection is the amount of heat that is being rejected to the water by the condenser (coaxial heat exchanger) in the cooling mode. In addition to measuring the temperature rise or drop across the air coil, calculating heat of extraction or heat of rejection allows the technician to verify that the heat pump is performing according to specications. If the calculation shows that the heat pump is performing poorly, then refrigeration gauges may be required to further troubleshoot the problem. Performance Data Before discussing heat of extraction (HE) / heat of rejection (HR) calculations, the technician should understand how to use the performance data in the catalog to compare the unit specications to actual calculations. Figures 10 and 11 show performance data for a typical 3 ton geothermal water-toEnertech Manufacturing, LLC. air heat pump. the highlighted columns indicate HE and HR. In gure 10, HE is the amount of heat that is being extracted from the water (for example, ground loop) by the refrigerant circuit. The compressor and fan power (kW column) is used to operate the refrigerant circuit. The heat delivered to the space (HC column) equals the HE from the water plus the waste heat of the power used for compressor and fan. If the kW is converted to Btuh, and added to the HE, the sum should equal HC. For example, in gure 10, at 30F EWT, 9.0 GPM and 70F EAT, the heating capacity is 30,700 Btuh. HE is 21,800 Btuh. If the kW (2.63) is converted to Btuh (2.63 x 3.412 = 8.97 MBtuh or 8,970 Btuh), and added to HE, the result is HC. Therefore, if HE is within, 10-15% of catalog performance, HC should also be within specications. There is no need to connect refrigerant gauges if HE is within specications. In gure 11, HR is the amount of heat that is being rejected to the water (for example, ground loop) by the refrigerant circuit. The compressor and fan power (kW column) is used to operate the refrigerant circuit. The heat rejected from the space (HR column) equals the heat from the air (TC column -amount of cooling) plus the waste heat of the power used for compressor and fan. If the kW is converted to Btuh, and added to the TC, the sum should equal HR. For example, in gure 11, at 90F EWT, 9.0 GPM and 75F DB/63F WB (50% RH), HR is 43,400 Btuh. TC is 34,400 Btuh. If the kW (2.73) is converted to Btuh (2.73 x 3.412 = 9.31 MBtuh or 9310 Btuh), and added to TC, the result is HR. Thefore, if HR is within, 10-15% of catalog performance, TC should also be within specications. There is no need to connect refrigerant gauges if HR is within specications.
10
Section 2: Heat of Extraction/Heat of Rejection Figure 10: Typical Performance Data - Heating Mode
Entering Flow Water Entering Heat of Leaving Coefficient Water Rate Press. Drop Air Extraction Air of Temp (F) (U.S. GPM) (PSI & Ft. of Head) Temp (F) (MBtuh) Temp (F) Performance Desuperheater Heating 036 Performance Data: Capacity Input Capacity 3.0 Ton, 1200 CFM, Heating (MBtuh) Power (kW) (MBtuh)
EWT GPM WPD PSI FT EAT 60 5.0 1.8 4.2 70 80 60 30 7.0 3.4 7.8 70 80 60 9.0 5.4 12.5 70 80 60 5.0 1.7 3.9 70 80 60 50 7.0 3.1 7.2 70 80 60 9.0 5.0 11.6 70 80 HC 30.2 29.4 28.4 31.1 30.3 29.4 31.5 30.7 29.9 39.1 37.9 36.6 40.7 39.4 38.1 41.6 40.2 38.9 Heating HE 21.7 20.4 19.2 22.6 21.3 20.0 23.0 21.8 20.4 30.3 28.5 26.8 31.7 30.0 28.1 32.6 30.7 28.9 LAT 83.3 92.7 101.9 84.0 93.4 102.7 84.3 93.7 103.1 90.2 99.3 108.3 91.4 100.4 109.4 92.1 101.1 110 KW 2.47 2.61 2.73 2.50 2.63 2.77 2.50 2.63 2.76 2.59 2.73 2.86 2.64 2.78 2.93 2.65 2.79 2.94 COP 3.58 3.30 3.05 3.65 3.37 3.12 3.70 3.42 3.17 4.42 4.07 3.75 4.52 4.15 3.82 4.59 4.22 3.88 HC 26.5 25.5 24.4 27.3 26.3 25.3 27.6 26.6 25.7 34.2 32.9 31.5 35.7 34.2 32.8 36.4 34.9 33.4 Heating with Desuperheater HE 21.7 20.5 19.3 22.7 21.4 20.1 23.2 18.7 20.5 30.6 28.8 27.1 32.1 30.2 28.4 32.8 31.1 29.2 LAT 80.4 89.7 98.9 81.0 90.3 99.5 81.3 90.6 99.8 86.4 95.4 104.3 87.5 96.4 105.3 88.1 96.9 105.8 KW 2.45 2.56 2.68 2.45 2.58 2.7 2.44 2.58 2.71 2.51 2.65 2.78 2.56 2.69 2.83 2.56 2.70 2.84 DH 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.9 4.0 4.1 3.9 4.1 4.2 4.9 5.0 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.4 5.2 5.3 5.5 COP 3.62 3.36 3.11 3.73 3.44 3.19 3.78 3.49 3.23 4.57 4.20 3.86 4.67 4.29 3.95 4.76 4.36 4.01
11
Section 2: Heat of Extraction/Heat of Rejection Formulas The formula is the same for HE and HR. The amount of heat being extracted or rejected can be calculated if the temperature difference between water entering and leaving the coaxial heat exchanger (TD) is known, and the water ow (GPM) is measured. The only other item needed is the type of antifreeze. A uid factor is used to represent the specic heat of the water/antifreeze solution, as well as to convert the units (GPM and F) to Btuh. HE or HR (Btuh) = GPM x TD x Fluid Factor Where: GPM = Flow rate in U.S. gallons per minute TD = Temp. diff. (between water in & out) Fluid Factor = 500 for water; 485 for most antifreezes Figure 12a: Pressure Gauge with Adapter Figures 12a and 12b show the tools required for checking HE and HR. All technicians installing and servicing geothermal heat pumps should have at least one set of these tools. Flow rate can be determined by measuring the pressure drop across the coaxial heat exchanger. The pressure gauge and adapter should be inserted into the P/T (pressure/ temperature) port of the Water IN connection. Record the reading. Next, insert the gauge into the Water OUT port, and record the reading. The difference between the IN and OUT is the pressure drop. Once the pressure drop of the heat exchanger is known, the ow rate can be determined by consulting the performance data for the particular unit.
Adapter Protector
12
Section 2: Heat of Extraction/Heat of Rejection Example: In heating mode, model 036 has EWT of 50F, water pressure IN of 40 psi, and water pressure OUT of 35 psi. The pressure drop, therefore is 5 psi. Figure 10 shows three water pressure drop values and three water ow rates. At 50F, if the pressure drop is 1.7 psi, the ow rate would be 5.0 GPM; if the pressure drop is 3.1 psi, the ow rate would be 7.0 GPM; and if the pressure drop is 5.0 psi, the ow rate would be 9.0 GPM. The ow rate in this example is 9.0 GPM. Rarely are the temperature and pressure drop exactly as shown in the tables, so there will be some interpolation required (for example, 52F EWT and 4.7 psi pressure drop). NOTE: A large gauge face is preferred, since it will be easier to read pressures to the nearest 0.5 psi. ALWAYS use the same gauge in the IN and OUT connections. The use of two gauges could cause false readings, since they could both be out of calibration in opposite directions. Never force the gauge adapter into the P/T port. The gauge adapter could break off in the P/T port, or the force could cause the ring holding the P/T port bladder to become dislodged, potentially ending up in a pump impeller. Once the ow rate is determined, the pocket thermometer can be used to obtain TD. Insert the thermometer into the Water IN P/T port. Record the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the Water OUT port, and record the temperature. The difference between the IN and OUT is the TD. In heating, EWT (entering water temperature) will be warmer than LWT (leaving water temperature); in cooling it will be just the opposite. The last item needed is the type of uid circulating through the heat pump. As mentioned earlier, 500 should be used for Refrigeration/Troubleshooting Guide 10 Jun 2010-A pure water (open loop/well water systems). Use 485 for most antifreeze solutions (see Flow Center and Loop Application Manual for details on antifreeze solutions). Figure 13 includes an example water-to-air heat pump in heating mode; gure 14 shows the same heat pump in cooling. Following are two examples based upon these gures, which are shown on the next page. Example 1: Model 036, ground loop system with ProCool (ethanol) antifreeze solution, heating mode. 1) Fluid factor = 485 2) EWT = 30.0F LWT = 23.5F TD = 6.5F 3) Pressure IN = 40 psi Pressure OUT = 36.6 psi Pressure drop = 3.4 psi From performance data, GPM = 7.0 4) HE = GPM x TD x Fluid Factor HE = 7.0 x 6.5 x 485 = 22,067 Btuh Catalog HE = 21,300 Btuh. Therefore, unit is performing better than specications. Example 2: Model 036, ground loop system with ProCool (ethanol) antifreeze solution, cooling mode. 1) Fluid factor = 485 2) EWT = 90.0F LWT = 101.2F TD = 11.2F 3) Pressure IN = 40 psi Pressure OUT = 36.3 psi Pressure drop = 3.7 psi From performance data, GPM = 8.0 4) HR = GPM x TD x Fluid Factor HR = 8.0 x 11.2 x 485 = 43,456 Btuh Catalog HR = 43,400 Btuh. Therefore, unit is performing better than specications. NOTE: HE and HR should be within 10-15% of catalog values.
13
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
30.0 F 93.4 F
Supply Air Suction Suction Air Coil Air Coil Coax Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting)
70.0 F
Return Air
40.0
psi
Source (loop) IN
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
23.5 F 36.6
psi Source (loop) OUT
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
90.0 F 55.0 F
Supply Air Suction Air Coil Suction Air Coil Coax Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting)
75.0 F
Return Air
40.0
psi
Source (loop) IN
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
101.2 F 36.3
psi Source (loop) OUT
14
Section 3: Superheat/Subcooling Overview Superheat and subcooling are used to determine if the heat pump has the proper refrigerant charge, as well as for verifying that the condenser and evaporator are performing properly. Superheat and subcooling can even be used to troubleshoot refrigerant circuit blockages or a bad TXV. Denitions Saturation Temperature: Saturation temperature, sometimes called boiling point, is the temperature at which a refrigerant changes state. For example, Table 1 shows that refrigerant R-410A has a saturation temperature of 32F at 100 psi. Therefore, the refrigerant at 100 psi is a liquid if it is below 32F, and a gas (vapor) if it is above 32F. Superheat: Superheat is dened as the number of degrees above the saturation temperature of a refrigerant. For example, if the temperature of refrigerant R-410A is 40F at 100 psi, it has 8F of superheat, since the saturation temperature is 32F. Subcooling: Subcooling is dened as the number of degrees below the saturation temperature of a refrigerant. For example, if the temperature of refrigerant R-410A is 28F at 100 psi, it has 4F of subcooling, since the saturation temperature is 32F. Checking Superheat and Subcooling Superheat and subcooling should only be checked after the heat of extraction or heat of rejection calculations (see section 2) indicate that the unit is performing poorly. Connecting refrigerant gauges should be done as a last resort. Checking superheat and subcooling requires a refrigeration gauge set with manifold and hoses, plus a digital thermocouple type thermometer. Heat pumps produced by Enertech Manufacturing have two schrader ports for service connections, one at the discharge line of the compressor, and one at the suction line of the compressor. When these pressures are used in conjunction with the suction line temperature and liquid line temperature, superheat and subcooling can be calculated. Insulation should be removed from the suction line and liquid line, and the copper should be free from insulation glue, so that the thermocouple makes a good connection at the copper line.
15
Pressure PSIG 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285 290 295 300 305 310 315 320 325 330 335 340 345 350 355 360 365
Pressure PSIG 370 375 380 385 390 395 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 435 440 445 450 455 460 465 470 475 480 485 490 495 500 505 510 515 520 525 530 535 540 545 550 555 560 565 570 575 580 585 590 595 600 650 700
16
Pressure PSIG 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 85
Pressure PSIG 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285 290 295
Pressure PSIG 300 305 310 315 320 325 330 335 340 345 350 355 360 365 370 375 380 385 390 395 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 435 440 445 450 455 460 465 470 475 480 485 490 495 500
17
Suction
Discharge
1
TXV Load Coax
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
F psi Suction Line (saturation) F Suction temp psi F Discharge Line (saturation) F
F Supply Air
Thermometer
F
GPM
Source Coax
Suction
Discharge
To suction line
1
TXV Load Coax
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
F psi Suction Line (saturation) F Suction temp F psi Discharge Line (saturation) F
F Supply Air
Thermometer
F
1 2
GPM
Source Coax
18
Section 3: Superheat/Subcooling Figures 15a and 15b illustrate the locations for taking pressure and temperature measurements. Notice that the two areas for temperature measurement are suction line and liquid line. In order to check superheat and subcooling, the saturation temperature must be determined, which requires the pressure of the refrigerant and the actual temperature of the refrigerant at the same location. However, the only location where both temperature and pressure are easily obtained is at the suction line. In section 1, temperatures and pressures were discussed in relation to components, both before and after the components. It was also mentioned that the discharge pressure and the liquid line pressure are within a few psi of each other. Most manufacturers of packaged equipment adjust their service data to allow the technician to use the discharge pressure as the liquid line pressure. Therefore, for checking superheat and subcooling, use discharge pressure with liquid line temperature, and suction pressure with suction temperature. Although superheat and subcooling can be calculated anywhere in the refrigeration circuit, there are two points that are most useful for troubleshooting purposes. First of all, it is imperative that liquid is not returned to the compressor. Liquid refrigerant will wash some of the compressor oil away from critical internal parts, causing premature compressor failure. Plus, the compressor is designed to pump gas, not liquid, and will be operating under adverse conditions. Checking for superheat at the suction line of the compressor insures that the state of the refrigerant at this point is a gas (vapor). The amount of superheat at the suction line determines how well the evaporator (coax in heating, air coil in cooling) is working. Superheat is normally in the 8 to 12F range, but the installation manual will provide specic information for Refrigeration/Troubleshooting Guide 10 Jun 2010-A the unit being serviced. NOTE: Check the temperature of the suction line near the TXV bulb, especially on split systems. The other location to check is the liquid line. Since the liquid line is located after the condenser (air coil in heating, coax in heating), the amount of subcooling determines how well the condenser is working. In most cases subcooling is in the 4 to 10F range, but the installation manual will provide specic information for the unit being serviced. Putting It All Together In section 1, TXV operation was discussed. Since the TXV spring has been adjusted to maintain 8 to 12F of superheat, it will close down when necessary to maintain the predetermined superheat setting. Therefore, subcooling plays a crucial part in evaluating the units refrigeration charge. In other words, if the unit is overcharged, the TXV will close down to maintain superheat, backing up liquid refrigerant in the condenser. If only superheat is measured, the technician would not know that the unit is overcharged. If subcooling is measured, the high value would indicate that there is a problem with the refrigeration charge. Table 3 lists the conditions associated with high or low superheat and subcooling. Table 4 is an example of typical data found in the installation manual. Figures 16 through 18 illustrate examples of a normally charged system, an undercharged system, and an overcharged system.
19
30 50 70
EWT
50 70
20
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
30.0F
F Supply Air Suction Suction Air Coil Air Coil Coax Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting)
70.0 F
Return Air
40.0 psi
Source (loop) IN
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
7.0
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
68 psi 14F Suction Line (saturation) 29F Suction temp 260 psi 87F Discharge Line (saturation)
70.0F
Return Air
40.0 psi
Source (loop) IN
Heating Mode
Cooling Mode
7.0
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
21
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
85 psi 24F Suction Line (saturation) 34 F Suction temp 325 psi 101F Discharge Line (saturation)
30.0 F 90.0F
Supply Air Suction Suction Air Coil Air Coil Coax Coax Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting)
70.0F
Return Air
40.0 psi
Source (loop) IN
Heating Mode
Cooling Mode
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
22
Section 4: Desuperheater Operation The desuperheater option includes a waterto-refrigerant coaxial heat exchanger installed between the compressor discharge line and reversing valve, which is connected to the condenser (air coil in heating, coax in cooling) as shown in gure 19. Unlike the source coax in all Enertech Manufacturing geothermal heat pumps, the desuperheater coax is a doublewall, vented water-to-refrigeration heat exchanger. Figure 20 illustrates a cut-away of the desuperheater coax. The operation of the desuperheater takes advantage of the superheat at the discharge line. For example, in gure 16, the discharge pressure is 300 psi. The saturation temperature at 300 psi is 96F. The discharge line at these conditions would typically be around 160F. Therefore, the superheat (actual temperature saturation temperature) is 64F. As domestic hot water ows through the desuperheater heat exchanger, some of the superheat at the discharge line is used to heat domestic water, which lowers the superheat at the discharge line, thus the term desuperheater. Water ow rate through the desuperheater coax must be very low to avoid turning the desuperheater into a condensor, and robbing too much heat from the main condenser. Typically, about 0.4 GPM per ton is used for desuperheater ow rate. The desuperheater pump operates anytime the compressor is operating (unless the one of the temperature limits is open).
To suction line
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Suction
Suction
Air Coil
Air Coil
Coax
Heating Mode
Coax
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
Cooling Mode
GPM
Source Coax
Desuperheater
Discharge Discharge F psi Source (loop) OUT
23
In cooling, the desuperheater takes some of the heat that would have been rejected to the ground loop via the condenser (coax), and uses it to make domestic hot water. Therefore, the desuperheater produces nearly free hot water (other than the fractional horsepower circulating pump) in the cooling mode. In heating, the desuperheater takes some of the heat that would have been used to heat the space via the condenser (air coil), and uses it to make domestic hot water. Even though the desuperheater is robbing some of the heat from the space, it is a very small amount, and the system is heating water at a very high C.O.P. (3.0 to 4.0, depending upon loop temperature), compared to an electric water heater at a C.O.P. of 1.0. Some geothermal heat pumps turn off the desuperheater pump when back up heat is energized. However, studies show that on an annual basis, the system is more energy efcient when the desuperheater is utilized any time the compressor is running. When the hot water tank is already heated, a thermal switch turns off the desuperheater pump. The pump may also be turned off if the compressor discharge line is too cool.
Refrigerant
Air Gap
Water
24
HE or HR = GPM x TD x Fluid Factor (Use 500 for water; 485 for antifreeze) SH = Suction Temp. - Suction Sat. SC = Disch. Sat. - Liq. Line Temp.
To suction line
Note: DO NOT connect refrigerant gauges until Heat of Extraction or Rejection has been checked.
For water-to-water units substitute a second coaxial heat exchanger for the air coil.
Air Coil
Reversing Valve
F F Supply Air Suction Air Coil Coax Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting) psi Source (loop) IN
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
Compressor Section
To suction line
Filter Drier
IN IN
To suction line
Clg TXV
Htg TXV
Air Coil
F Return Air
F Supply Air
Note: DO NOT connect refrigerant gauges until Heat of Extraction or Rejection has been checked.
Reversing Valve
psi F Discharge Line (saturation) Discharge Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting) F psi Source (loop) IN
Suction
Suction
Air Coil
Air Coil
Coax
Heating Mode
Coax
Cooling Mode
Suction
GPM
Source Coax
Discharge
Discharge
25
HE or HR = GPM x TD x Fluid Factor (Use 500 for water; 485 for antifreeze)
Heating Mode
F Return Air
F Supply Air
Air Coil
Cooling Mode
To discharge line
To suction line
Load Coax
Note: DO NOT connect refrigerant gauges until Heat of Extraction or Rejection has been checked.
TXV
Source Coax
Direction Valve
GPM Discharge
Reversing Valve
F Suction temp psi F Suction Line (saturation)
Suction
NOTE: Black lines show inactive part of circuit when in hot water mode.
F psi Load IN
Air Coil
3-Way Valve
To discharge line
To suction line
Load Coax
Note: DO NOT connect refrigerant gauges until Heat of Extraction or Rejection has been checked.
TXV
F Liquid line (heating) GPM
Source Coax
Direction Valve
GPM Discharge Optional desuperheater installed in discharge line (always disconnect during troubleshooting)
Reversing Valve
F Suction temp psi F Suction Line (saturation)
Suction
26
NOTES
27
Enertech Manufacturing is continually working to improve its products. As a result, the design and specications of each product may change without notice and may not be as described herein. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website, or contact our Customer Service department at info@enertechmfg.com. Statements and other information contained herein are not express warranties and do not form the basis of any bargain between the parties, but are merely Enertech Manufacturings opinion or commendation of its products. 23-23-0028-001 Enertech Manufacturing, LLC. 2008 Rev.: 10 Jun 2010-A