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Carefree House Arizona |
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Original HAP peak load calculations:
Because no software was available in 1995 to determine the peak load for a radiant panel system working within a heavy mass house, the peak loads were calculated using the Carrier HAP software for a conventional convective system. The results showed the need for a 4-ton unit and a peak total daily requirement for 51 ton-hours of cooling. Because the thermal mass was expected to dampen the peak, the homeowner/builder decided to use a nominal 3-ton ground source heat pump with 600-feet of ground loop. The loop capacity proved insufficient for cooling in the 1999 and 2000 seasons and in May of 2001, a closed loop evaporative fluid cooler was installed. With this added heat rejection, the capacity of the 3-ton heat pump has been boosted to that of a 4 ton unit. Hydronic System Saves Energy
The efficiencies of moving energy by pumping water through pipes with fractional horsepower motors rather than by blowing air through ducts with fans are significant.
Alternatives to the Heat Pump
The water to water heat pump provided the hot and cold water needed for the hydronic system. The ground loop for the heat pump was adequate for the winter operation but not for the summer operation. Low cooling capacity of the ground loop necessitated installation of a closed loop evaporative cooler, described below. The ground loop proved to be too expensive for what it provided.
An alternative plant would include a separate chiller for cooling and a solar panel/boiler backup for heating. The water-cooled chiller would reject heat to an evaporative condenser such as is currently being used as a closed loop evaporative fluid cooler. The fluid cooler proved very efficient, reducing the condensing temperatures by over 30F. Then, in the winter, solar panels would be the primary source of heat to the hydronic system, with a small gas fired boiler for back up.
Evaporative Condenser/Fluid Cooler
This unit was used as a fluid cooler rather than an evaporative condenser to boost the capacity. It proved to be an extremely good investment. It reduced the condensing temperature of the heat pump in cooling mode by over 30F. It boosted the cooling capacity of a three-ton unit by over 25%. It also proved to require very low maintenance, with simple end of season cleaning and no corrosion.
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Evaporative Fluid Cooler - Hybrid Geothermal Installation |
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Evaporative Fluid Cooler Tower |
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This project was designed without the Evaporative Condenser / Evaporative Fluid Cooler, but in a short time it was proven the Water Cooling Tower was needed and saved the project. |
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Performance Data 2000 - 2001 -2002 |
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Study by: Arizona State University Funded by: ASHRAE |
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Our Conclusion:
May 2001 a Evaporative Fluid Cooling Tower was installed with-in the closed loop . After coming online it boost the capacity and reduced the condensing temperature of the heat pump in cooling mode by over 30F (Yes, 30F). It proved to be an extremely good investment.
Report said, “ If used as an Evaporative Condenser, replacing an Air Cooled Condenser on the conventional Air Conditioning system, it would have similar benefits and would have a quick payback on investment. A research project should be conducted to quantify the advantages of using such a unit”
The products we offer are proven to be energy efficient. The Evaporative Condenser Cooling and Evaporative Fluid Cooling towers should be designed into all geothermal projects. The system is still working today.
Except today, with higher Energy Cost, the investment will be a faster payback and real money back in your pocket for years to come.
Several clients have said, “ the utility power company came out to check the meter to see if it was broken or tampered with”. |
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Conclusions and Observations |
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As for this solution, another solved Hot Loop.
Research? Ours has been DONE!
Ready to start saving REAL MONEY? |
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Thermco Energy Systems |
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Total Energy Conservation Products |
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The Evaporative Water Cooling Tower saved the performance of the “Carefree House “project in Arizona. The unit was used as a fluid cooler rather than an evaporative condenser to boost the capacity. It proved to be an extremely good investment. It reduced the condensing temperature of the heat pump in cooling mode by over 30F. It boosted the cooling capacity of a three-ton unit by over 25%. It also proved to require very low maintenance, with simple end of season cleaning and no corrosion. |
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Phone:
(512) 704-8200
(229) 638-2889
(904) 424-9773 |