New Carrier System Better Than Geothermal??? Has anyone heard of a new system being developed by Carrier that is supposed to be more efficient than geothermal at a lot less cost??
I am working on trying to get more specifics. My current HVAC contractor mentioned it to me last week - he couldn't remember the name that Carrier was using for the system. I have him working on getting me the info.
The logical next step forward for equipment The next step is a true variable capacity system with at least 5:1 turndown - in other words a 5 ton system should be able to efficiently continuously operate at one ton or less for damp nights and mild days. Up north it will make extra capacity available for worse-than-design days with little or no use of aux heat. Down south it'll be able to ramp way down and run all night at near idle to wring water out of cool damp air. We'll be able to have almost as many zones as rooms. We'll even be able to heat one zone and cool others at the same time at high efficiency. It'll run solely for hot water needs if necessary, and at full capacity for hot water alone. It will have to incorporate an inverter or other variable frequency drive technology to make this possible.
After a small delay on my part, I provided WF with the information they needed regarding my system, and information on the installer. The same day they contacted our installer and we set up an appointment for this coming Wednesday. I spoke to our installer before sending information to WF to make sure they knew what was going on. Our installer is great to work with and I didn't want to surprise them. I also asked WF to provide information to our installer regarding their ARB kit/board so our installer can hook up a lockout alert to our Honeywell thermostat (and possibly a buzzer). The thermostat L terminal acts as a monitor in heating and cooling mode, but sends out voltage when set to emergency mode for some unknown reason. We want to make sure the geothermal system and the thermostat are isolated from each other. WF quickly sent our installer the information on the ARB. I'll ask our installer to check our all-in-one unit's air delta t while he is here. Based on our return/register delta t, I want to make sure the unit is operating within spec. I'll keep everyone updated. Feel free to ask questions.
I assume that means someone from WF is going to do a site visit at your location. Where is your location?
I believe just the installer is coming out for now. We are in SW Virginia. With our situation, I don't think WF needs to come out yet. The installer should have first crack at this. At the time of installation I mentioned that the split compressor was noisy compared to the all-in one unit. At the time, I did not press the issue until I heard of other complaints and possible fixes.
My WF E series split compressor seems much noiser than my Envision package unit, but not to the point it is objectional. Also I notice in heat mode (only) the split generates a significant hum in the refrigerant lines, which can be heard through the walls and ceiling. But since is constant is actually somewhat comforting while sleeping!
In heating mode the suction line volicities are much higher as the suction line now becomes the discharge line from the compressor. Proper line set installation is important to minimize these effects.
I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around increased velocity in the gas line in heating mode Gas line pressure doubles or triples in heating mode, therefore refrigerant becomes 2-3 times denser. If we assume approximately equal refrigerant mass flows in either heating or cooling mode, a denser gas will flow much more slowly. That said, the gas line is operating at higher temperatures and pressures; harmonic frequencies may shift, or worse, it expanded slightly and is now rubbing on something hard, which may end badly with a refrigerant leak. If the sound is pronounced or harsh, track it down.
Speaking of harmonic frequencies, our installer said (if I understood him correctly) that he has successfully installed a "trap" in the refrigerant line that seems to help with some systems. I don't remember if they were geothermal systems or not. Sorry I can't elaborate on this more at this point.
Traps in the refrigerant line are mainly used to enhance oil return or retard liquid flow to the compressor.
The installer was out today to check on our split system noise level. Unfortunately, nighttime is when the noise is much more noticeable due to lower ambient sounds, so we are not doing anything beyond switching the T1 and T2 lines at this point. I hope this switch helps. Thank you Water Furnace for your help in this matter.
