Hi, I have a 3T SCW water to air Bosch geo system with a Grundfos SQE well pump in New England. The geo system is connected directly to the house water system which operates at roughly 40 psi. From a pump wear/energy efficiency perspective, should there be a pressure and/or flow reducer put between the house water and the geo system? Or would this create more problems than it solves vis a vis future internal silting/clogging problems, extended pump runs, reliability, noise, etc?
Hi and welcome! Geo systems do not require the same operating pressure as your domestic supply. As far as flow goes... it has been my experience that the SCW can be tuned down in regard to flow to extract more btu's per cycle prior to the well having to pump to waste, if ever. Eric
Thanks, what's the best practical way to turn down the flow with the least amount of ancillary issues, reduce pressure or restrict flow? What specific equipment would you recommend to install?
I would throttle the flow on the out going side of the unit using a ball valve. I would install a pressure reducing valve upstream of the unit to reduce the pressure. You should be able to monitor the effects of the install based on the delta T across the coil on your unit. Pressure can be a little more elusive. You need enough pressure to put the water back based on feet of head required for discharge. Any more pressure than that and you are wasting energy. This can be measured as delta P across the coil to satisfy your units manufacturer chart. Eric
