Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Pump and Dump Geo
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fastmat
07-17-07, 06:55 AM
I am building a 2400 sq ft ranch in Michigan and was wondering if anyone has heard of a pump and dump Geothermal system? And if so is this a good system to put in? My friend that will be doing the heating and cooling recommends this type of unit. I currently have a well that produces 12 gallons per minute. The geothermal system will run off of my well water and dump the water back into my pond. The only thing that scares me is running this unit off of my well. Does anyone have any suggestions or positives about this type of unit? Thanks, Matt
Ed Imeduc
07-17-07, 10:38 AM
Dont know how hard is the well water Or what else it has in it. Here we find that it cost just to much to try and keep everthing clean.
Then a closed system might work for you. But I like the Geothermal DX best. You dont have a well pump running no water mess to clean up. You dont have the water pump running on a closed system. What is the condenser coil for the unit is in the ground so you dont have the cost of clean up or the cost of another well or water pump running
Then a closed system might work for you. But I like the Geothermal DX best. You dont have a well pump running no water mess to clean up. You dont have the water pump running on a closed system. What is the condenser coil for the unit is in the ground so you dont have the cost of clean up or the cost of another well or water pump running
CiiTech
07-17-07, 07:50 PM
Except I don't have the luxury of a pond to dump to. Still trying to get off my but and talk to a well driller about an injection well.
Pump and dump is the most efficient geo system you can put in.
But using the domestic well means you need extra safeties.
Put in a reverse pressure switch to turn off the compressor if the domestic psi gets too low. Like if you start the clothes washer. Also install a freeze stat on the leaving side of the condenser to keep it from freezing.
You'll need 3 GPM per ton, at least. 10 degrees across the condenser is what your going for. May end up 8 GPM for a 3 ton.
Pump and dump is the most efficient geo system you can put in.
But using the domestic well means you need extra safeties.
Put in a reverse pressure switch to turn off the compressor if the domestic psi gets too low. Like if you start the clothes washer. Also install a freeze stat on the leaving side of the condenser to keep it from freezing.
You'll need 3 GPM per ton, at least. 10 degrees across the condenser is what your going for. May end up 8 GPM for a 3 ton.
chowchewey
07-20-07, 10:03 AM
Fastmat - we should talk more offline as I am in Michigan and in the midst of trying to determine what geothermal system is best and to find a honest contractor.
What I have found thus far on systems is that an open loop is somewhat more efficient than an closed loop. And a closed loop is more expensive because of the trenching involved.
One contractor said the quality of the water is not too critical as there is no air in the line that would cause minerals and rust to do damage - is this right?
I am currently using propane - because of this switch my contractor also recommended a $2,000 air to air exchanger to bring fresh outside air indoors - reasonable? Needed? Cheaper alternatives?
Any help is appreciated.
What I have found thus far on systems is that an open loop is somewhat more efficient than an closed loop. And a closed loop is more expensive because of the trenching involved.
One contractor said the quality of the water is not too critical as there is no air in the line that would cause minerals and rust to do damage - is this right?
I am currently using propane - because of this switch my contractor also recommended a $2,000 air to air exchanger to bring fresh outside air indoors - reasonable? Needed? Cheaper alternatives?
Any help is appreciated.
bunlacken
11-18-08, 08:43 AM
Depending on how deep your pond is you may not need a well just a heat exchanger in the bottom of your pond.. If it freezes completely to the bottom then that won't work..
Drilling a return/dump well is how an open geothermal usually works (east coast anyway) and it's much less expensive than the loop. Cleaning the water heat exchangers can also be a DIY project just have access valves installed before and after the heat exchanger , a bucket of cleaner and a little pump to pump it into the coil and a little hose to return it to the bucket and circulate until done, easy.
By the way a cooper nickel heat exchangers would be best for hard or brackish water (less cleaning), available for most systems.
Drilling a return/dump well is how an open geothermal usually works (east coast anyway) and it's much less expensive than the loop. Cleaning the water heat exchangers can also be a DIY project just have access valves installed before and after the heat exchanger , a bucket of cleaner and a little pump to pump it into the coil and a little hose to return it to the bucket and circulate until done, easy.
By the way a cooper nickel heat exchangers would be best for hard or brackish water (less cleaning), available for most systems.
Greenguy1
11-19-08, 05:14 AM
I live in Mich. and the pump and dump is quite popular in my area (Canadian Lakes) and yes there is something to be said about the oxidation element with respect to mineral build-up. I personally feel the DX or closed loop is the best but it is more expensive, consider the investment return time and make a decision based on that. but surely Geo is the best regardless of the type.