Carrier GT-G, GT-S, GT-PX specifications Closed Loop Systems, Ground Water Systems

Indoor & Outdoor Split Geothermal Comfort Systems

Closed Loop Systems

Closed Loop Systems consist of an underground heat exchange network of sealed, high strength polyethylene plastic pipe and a Flow Controller pumping module. When cooling, the loop fluid temperature will rise, and rejected heat is dissipated into the cooler earth. Conversely, while heating, the loop fluid temperatures fall, and heat is absorbed from the earth. Carrier Flow Controller pumping modules utilize small wattage pumps to circulate the water/antifreeze fluid within the piping system. The plastic heat exchange loop is closed and thermally fusion-welded at all connections in the same manner as natural gas distribution lines. Closed loops do not require a ground water supply or drain, and they are not subject to mineral build up.

Closed Loops can be installed in vertical or horizontal configurations, or submerged in a pond or lake. When designed properly, all three alternatives operate with similar efficiency. Carrier high density polyethylene plastic pipe is used for all closed loop installations. Pipe connections are heat fused to form joints that are stronger than the pipe itself. Carrier loop piping has a life expectancy in excess of 50 years.

Horizontal Loops are often considered when adequate land space

is available. The pipes are placed in trenches, excavated by a backhoe or chain trencher to a depth of 4-6 feet. Depending on design, from 1-6

pipes are installed in each trench. Multiple pipe and coiled “slinky” configurations are often used to conserve land requirements and reduce overall installed loop costs. Horizontal boring technology can also be used to install u-bend loops 10-15 feet deep with minimal landscaping disruption. Trench lengths range from 100-400 feet per system ton. Trenches must be spaced from 6-10 feet apart. The overall land area required ranges from 750-1,500 square feet per system ton.

Vertical Loops are the ideal choice when available land area is limited.

Drilling equipment is used to bore small- diameter vertical holes. Two pipes joined together with

au-bend fitting are inserted into the

vertical bore. Bore hole depth ranges from 100-300 feet per system ton. Bores must be spaced from 10-15 feet apart and properly grouted. The land space required ranges from 100-200 square feet per system ton.

Pond (Lake) Loops are very economical to install when a body of

surface water is available, because excavation costs are mostly eliminated. Coils or “slinky” mats of pipe are simply placed on the bottom

of the pond (lake). In most cases, 1/4 to 1/2 acre of water surface, with a minimum depth of 8-10 feet, is needed for a typical residence.

Ground Water Systems

Open loop systems utilize ground water as a direct energy source when

good quality water is available at a reasonable pumping depth. A well must have enough capacity to deliver a minimum of 1.5 gpm per system ton during peak

operation. Ditches, field tiles, ponds and streams are the most common discharge systems. Reinjection or semi-closed recirculation wells can also be utilized in some regions. In ideal conditions, an open loop application can be the most economical type of system to install.

Carrier Indoor & Outdoor Split Geothermal Heat Pumps - Rev.: 08/10/05

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