Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...

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Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses
presented at:

February 14, 2018
8:30-10:00

presented by:
John Siegenthaler, P.E.
Appropriate Designs
Holland Patent, NY
www.hydronicpros.com
 © Copyright 2018, J. Siegenthaler, all rights reserved. The contents of this file shall not be copied or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author. All diagrams shown in this file
 on conceptual and not intended as fully detailed installation drawings. No warranty is made as the the suitability of any drawings or data for a particular application.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
• Most North America heating professionals are familiar with ductless mini-split heat pumps.

• Most are also familiar with geothermal heat pumps

• Very few are currently familiar with air-to-water heat pumps.

      Ductless mini-split
         heat pump
                                                                                               ?
   www.johnstone.com

                                                                           air-to-water heat pump
                                 geothermal heat pump
                                    airconditioning-repair-nashville.com
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
This is not the case in other global markets…
Global air-to-water heat pump market:
According to JARN (Aug 2015)

2014 global market: 1,745,000 air to water heat pumps sold

Japanese manufacturers [Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Samsung, LG, Toshiba]
German manufacturers [Dimplex, Wolf, Viessmanm, Bosch,Vaillant]
Canadian manufacturers [ThermAtlantic, Nordic]

2014 China market : 987,000 units (12% increase over 2013)

2014 European market: 232,000 units (5% increase over 2013)
#1 France, #2 Germany, #3 UK
Still only about 2% of heat sources sold in Europe

Due to low gas and oil prices, AWHP are subsided in Europe based on CO2 reduction
targets, rather than energy efficiency.

Many current models use inverter drive variable speed compressors for capacity
control. Some use EVI (enhanced vapor injection) compressors.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
So what is an air-to-water heat pump?
     air-to-water heat pump                                                                                         air-to-water heat pump
        (in heating mode)                                                                                              (in cooling mode)

                                                                                                                                                                                                               OUTSIDE
                                                                         OUTSIDE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         INSIDE
                                                                                                                              hot gaseous refrigerant

                                                                                   INSIDE
            liquid refrigerant                                                                                                    condenses to liquid
           changes to vapor                                                                                                            releasing heat
              absorbing heat

                                                                                                                                                                                                       hot
                                                                cold                                                                          fan                                                    outside
                                                               outside                                                                                                                                 air

                                                                                                                                                                            condenser
                  fan                                                                                                warm
                                                                 air
                                              evaporator

 cool                                                                                                               outside
outside                                                                                                               air
  air

                                                                                                                                                                                                       condensate
                                                                                                                                         hot gas                                                          drain
          cool gas                                                                                                                                 cool gas
                        hot gas                             hot                                                                                                                                cold fluid
                                                           fluid                                                                              hot gas

                                                                                                                                                         evaporator
                                                                                                                                                                                               liquid refrigerant
                            condenser

                                                           warm
                                                                                                         heat to                       RV    comp.                                                                                              heat
          RV     comp.                                     fluid                                         building                                                                                                                               from
                                                                                                                                                                      TXV
                                                                                                                                                                                              cool fluid                          circulator   building
                                                                                            circulator
                                        TXV            hot gas condenses                                                                                                                  liquid refrigerant
                                                       to liquid releasing                                                                                                                vaporizes absorbing
                                                       heat                                                                                                                               heat
                                           liquid refrigerant
                     liquid & gaseous refrigerant                                                                                                                                       liquid & gaseous refrigerant

In heating mode: The heat pump extracts low temperature heat
from outside air, and transfers it to a fluid stream (water or water &
antifreeze) to be used by a hydronic distribution system.

In cooling mode: The heat pump extracts low temperature heat from
a fluid stream (chilling it), and dissipates that heat to outside air.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
Why hydronics vs. forced air?
Water is vastly superior to air for conveying heat

            this cut would destroy the load-carrying
            ability of the floor joists

                                                                      A given volume of water can
                                                                      absorb almost 3500 times as
                                                                      much heat as the same
                                                       2 x 12 joist

                                                                      volume of air, when both
                                                                      undergo the same
                          14" x 8" duct
                                                                      temperature change
            3/4" tube
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
Self-contained air-to-water heat pumps

                                        OUTSIDE

                                                  INSIDE
                                                           warmer climate application
                                                           (water in outside unit)

                                        OUTSIDE

                                                  INSIDE
           image courtesy of SpacePak

• Heating + cooling + DHW                                  colder climate application
• Pre-charged refrigeration system                         (antifreeze in outside unit)
• some are 2-stage for better load                                  antifreeze!
                                                                    protected!
matching                                                              circuit
• No interior space required

                                                                                  to / from!
• No interior noise

                                                                                     load
                                                                    heat!
                                                                 exchanger
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
Self-contained air-to-water heat pumps
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
Split system air-to-water heat pump
                                      Heating mode:
                                      1. condenser
                                      2. circulator
                                      3. expansion tank
                                      4. aux element
                                      5. controls

                                      Cooling mode:
                                                                                 indoor
                                      1. evaporator
                                                                                   unit
                                      2. circulator

                                                             OUTSIDE
                                      3. expansion tank

                                                                       INSIDE
                                      4. controls

                        Indoor unit
                                              outdoor unit

 Outdoor unit
  Heating mode:
  1. compressor
  2. evaporator
  3. expansion device

  Cooling mode:
  1. compressor                                                           refrigerant
  2. condenser                                                              lineset
  3. expansion device
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
Split system air-to-water heat pump
European split system air-to-water heat pump supplying
heating and domestic hot water

                                      -4 ºF outside, 113 ºF leaving water temperature

www.NIBE.eu
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps for Low Energy & Net Zero Houses - Home ...
It’s not just about matching BTU delivery to load…
It’s about providing COMFORT
Ductless mini-split heat pumps rely on forced air
delivery.

While generally acceptable for cooling, forced air
delivery doesn’t provide optimal comfort for
heating.

                                                        www.amazon.com
• There will be some temperature stratification from
floor to ceiling.

• Mini-splits blow cool air into spaces while
defrosting outdoor unit.

• Cold floors are a common complaint with forced
air heating.

• High wall cassettes do little to counteract natural
downdraft from large window surfaces.

• Forced air heating may aggravate allergies or
other respiratory symptoms.

• There will be some sound from forced air terminal
units. Properly designed radiant floor, wall, and
ceiling panels can operate with virtually no
detectible sound.
Why is the “net zero” housing market defaulting to
mini-split heat pumps rather than hydronics?
                                     source: Revision Energy

Training programs for “net zero”
houses often promote mini-split
heat pumps as the only
necessary heating & cooling
system.

They often discourage the
“complication” and cost
of hydronic systems.

                                                               historicshed.com
Based on this - who can blame them ??
Common suggestion for net zero houses….
Install a ductless mini-split air-to-air heat pump,
with 1 or 2 indoor wall cassettes, and leave the        source: Revision Energy

interior doors open for heat distribution.
from a green building website blog…

“Leave bedroom doors open during the day
If you want to heat your house with a ductless
minisplit located in a living room or hallway, you’ll
need to leave your bedroom doors open during the
day. When the bedroom doors are closed at night,
bedroom temperatures may drop 5 F° between
bedtime and morning.”

“If family members don’t want to abide by this
approach, or don’t want to accept occasional low
bedroom temperatures during the winter, then
supplemental electric resistance heaters should be
installed in the bedrooms.”

The COPs of cold climate ductless mini-
split heat pumps at sub-0ºF ambient
conditions is seldom discussed.

Maintaining heating capacity at sub-0ºF
conditions doesn’t imply that COP is being
maintained.
                                                                                  historicshed.com
What happens to the COP of ductless mini splits at low
ambient air temperatures?

Site 1 : COP = 1.1 at 0 ºF   Site 4 : COP = 1.8 at 0 ºF
Low ambient air-to-water heat pump yields good performance at low outdoor temperatures:

At ambient = 0 ºF, leaving fluid = 120 ºF, COP =2.04
Low ambient air-to-water heat pump performance
                                                           COP = 2.04 at 0 ºF
                                                           ambient and 120 ºF
                                                           leaving water temperature.

                                                           Heat pump heat output:
                                                           40,500 Btu/hr
                                                           Heat pump power:
                                                           5817 watts

                                       Btu
                                                           Heat pump circulator:
                             40,500
  COPHP+circulator   =                 hr         = 1.96   power: 200 watts
                                   ⎛       Btu ⎞
                                      3413
                                   ⎜       hr ⎟
                       ( 6.042kw ) ⎜                       Distribution circulator
                                         kw ⎟
                                   ⎜⎝          ⎟⎠
                                                           power: 25 watts
Higher than the measured COP of
several ductless mini split heat pumps                     Total power to system:
@ 0 ºF ambient.                                            6042 watts
Ductless mini-split heat pumps provide heating & cooling
                                                       historicshed.com

An air-to-water heat pump has
the potential to provide:

• Room-by-room zoning
• Radiant & convective heat delivery
• Zoned cooling (air & radiant delivery)
• Domestic water heating

• Pool heating in summer
• Higher distribution efficiency

• Fewer (if any) interior
refrigerant piping connections
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.
Here are some key indicators:
1. Growing interest in Net Zero houses: The typical net zero house has a very low
loss thermal envelop, and a sizable solar photovoltaic array on the roof.

Net metering laws - where they exist - allow owners of photovoltaic systems to sell
surplus electrical power back to the utility at full retail rate.

Thus, surplus kilowatt hours
produced on a sunny summer day        Source: Zerohomes.org

could conceivably be “parked” on
the electrical grid, and reclaimed
to run a heat pump on a cold
winter night with no technical or
economic penalty.

Space heat + DHW loads are so
small it doesn't pay to put a gas
meter on these houses.

AWHP could provide heating,
cooling, & DHW
Net Zero house in Seattle
                            Source: www.tclegendhomes.com
SPECS
 • 2,426 Square feet
 • 4 Bedrooms
 • 2.5 Baths
 • Radiant heat
 • Air-to-water heat pump
 • SIP construction
• 9.5 KW PV system
What are the advantages of using hydronic heating in these houses?
• Superior comfort: Radiant panel heating is better match to human physiological
comfort needs. It’s not just about pushing Btus into a space to match heat loss.

• Simple room-by-room (“wireless”) zoning is possible with many heat emitter options.
Don’t have to leave all doors open for internal heat balancing. A limitation of single point heat/cool
delivery such as wall cassette.
• Very high distribution efficiency
(A single ECM circulator operating on 10 to 40 watts supplies all heating distribution)

• Non-invasive installation of small tubing (3/8” & 1/2” PEX, PERT, or PEX-AL-PEX)
(Installing this tubing is like pulling electrical cable)

• Easily adapted to renewable
heat sources) (solar thermal,
hydronic heat pump, biomass)

• In many cases a single heat
source can supply heating and
DHW (fewer burners, less vents, less
fuel piping)

• Water-based thermal storage is
easily adapted to “time-of-use”
Electric rate structures.
                                                                                    source: Wagner Zaun Architecture
What is distribution DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY?

                              desired OUTPUT quantity
                 Efficiency =
                              necessary INPUT quantity
Distribution efficiency for a space heating system.

                                               rate of heat delivery
          distribution efficiency=
                                   rate of energy use by distribution equipment

Consider a system that delivers 120,000 Btu/hr at design load conditions using
four circulators operating at 85 watts each. The distribution efficiency of that
system is:

                                      120,000 Btu/hr       Btu/hr
             distribution efficiency=                = 353
                                        340 watts           watt
The electrical input power for a circulator can be estimated:

      0.4344 × f × ∆ P
 we =                                  We = electrical input power (watts)
                                       f = flow rate (gpm)
           nw/w                        ∆P = pressure drop of circuit (psi)
                                       nw/w = wire-to-water efficiency of circulator

A typical wet-rotor circulator with PSC motor has a maximum wire-
to-water efficiency of about 25 percent. (ECM circulators will have
significantly higher wire-to-water efficiencies)

Consider a 200 ft long circuit of 3/4” copper tubing operating at 5
gpm with 180 ºF supply and 160 ºF return water temperature. It
would have a pressure loss of 3.83 psi

The required electrical input power to operate this circuit is:
           0.4344 × f × ∆ P 0.4344 × 5 × 3.83
      we =                 =                  = 33.2watts
                nw/w             0.25
A flow of 5 gpm in a circuit with a 20 ºF temperature drop is moving about 50,000 Btu/hr.
The electrical input to a standard PSC circulator operating at 25% wire-to-water efficiency
is 33.2 watts. The distribution efficiency of such a circuit is:

               Q 50, 000Btu / hr        Btu / hr
          nd =    =              = 1506
               we   33.2watt             watt
Compare this to a 4-ton rated geothermal water-to-air heat pump delivering 48,000 Btu/
hr using a blower operating on 1080 watts. The distribution efficiency of this delivery
system is:

                 Q 48, 000Btu / hr        Btu / hr
            nd =    =              = 44.4
                 we   1080watt             watt
These numbers mean that the hydronic system delivers heat to the building using
only 2.9 percent (e.g. 44.4/1506) of the electrical power required by the forced air
delivery system.

With good design it’s possible to achieve distribution
efficiencies > 3000 Btu/hr/watt
This will become increasingly important in low energy and net zero buildings...
Consider a design heating load of 30,000 Btu/hr                                                          Q       30,000
                                                                                              f=               =        = 3gpm
• Assuming a common ∆T of 20 ºF across the heat emitters                                              500(∆ T ) 500(20)
• Assume a homerun distribution system to 8 identical panel radiators
• Each panel rad is 24” x 72” x 4” operating w/ average                                                  8, 24" x 72" x 4" panel radiators

water temperature of 110 ºF, (120 ºF supply & 100 ºF                                                                                     TRV
return) yielding output of 3,850 Btu/hr each, total system
heat output of 30,800 Btu/hr
• Flow rate per panel radiator is 3/8 = 0.38 gpm                                                        120 ft x 1/2" pex
                                                                                                         homerun circuits
• Head loss of each panel radiator (balance
valve partially closed) at this flow rate is 3.38 ft.
• Assume each homerun circuit is 120 ft of
                                                                                                                            manifold
1/2” PEX at 0.38 gpm, head loss = 0.8 ft.                      3-40 watts                                                   station

                                                                                 pressure regulated
                                                                                   variable speed
• Add 10% safety factor to head

                                                                                     circulator
loss for a total of 4.6 ft.

• Circulator requirement is 3.0 gpm at 4.6 ft.
• Even with an ECM circulator that’s 30% w/w
efficient, this requires an input of about 8.6 watts                        heat source

       0.4344 × f × ∆ P 0.4344 × 3.0 × 4.6 ( 0.43)                                                       buffer tank
we =                   =                           = 8.6watt
           ncirculator            0.3
                                       Btu
                                30,800
distribution efficiency =              hr = 3581 Btu / hr
                                  8.6watt         watt
Why is the NA hydronics industry leaving its “best cards” on the table?

                                                                                     80,000 Btu/hr      Btu/hr
                                                          distribution efficiency=                 = 94
                                                                                       850 watts         watt

                      8, 24" x 72" x 4" panel radiators
                                                                                             Btu
                                                      TRV
                                                                                      30,800            Btu / hr
                                                            distribution efficiency =        hr  = 3581
                     120 ft x 1/2" pex
                                                                                       8.6watt           watt
                      homerun circuits

                                                           94                    In this comparison the hydronic system
                                         manifold
                                         station               = 2.6%            uses only 2.6% of the electrical energy
                                                                                 required by the forced air system for
pressure regulated

                                                          3581
  variable speed

                                                                                 equal heat transport (source to load).
    circulator
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.
2. The 30% federal tax credits on geothermal heat pump systems ended
December 31 2016:

That removed a significant purchasing incentive, and forces geothermal heat
pump systems to compete against other types of heat pumps in an
unsubsidized market.
https://www.geoexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/GEO-Industry-News-January-2018.pdf
“The GHP industry experienced a 50% loss of residential sales
during the year (2017), with hundreds of layoffs and thousands
more jobs in jeopardy.”
                                   THIS CHANGED 2/9/18
There’s a possibility this tax credit could be reinstated.

NYSERDA does have $1500 / ton (cooling capacity)
GSHP rebate program at present.
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/
Ground-Source-Heat-Pump-Rebate

Do you want to build your business
model on the assumption that
subsidies will always be there?
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.

                                                             geothermal heat pump
3. Air-to-water heat pumps are                             typical installed cost = $X
significantly less expensive to
install compared to geothermal
heat pumps:

This is especially true if vertical
boreholes are required for the
earth loop.

In my area, these holes cost
about $3,000+ per ton for drilling,                          air-to-water heat pump
pipe insertion, and grouting.                                 typical installed cost
Additional cost is incurred for                                = $(30% to 50%)X
connecting multiple vertical piping
loops, and routing piping back to
the location of the heat pump.

Replacement of any affected
pavements or landscaping also
needs to be factored into the
cost of installing a geothermal
heat pump system.
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.
Here are some key indicators:                                     geothermal heat pump
                                                                typical installed cost = $X
4. Diminishing returns: As home heating loads decrease due
to better thermal envelopes, the difference in annual heating
cost between heat pumps operating at seasonal average COPs
that vary by perhaps 1.0 or less, decreases.

The incrementally lower operating cost of the higher
performance heat pump may not amortize the higher
installation cost within the expected life of the system.

                                                                  air-to-water heat pump
                                                                  typical installed cost =
                                                                      $(30% to 50%)X
You don’t pay for COP! (you pay for kilowatt•hours)
The annual savings in heating energy between two heat pumps with different
seasonal average COPs can be estimated using this formula:
                                        Where:
         ⎡ 1       1 ⎤                  S = savings in seasonal heating energy (MMBtu*)

S = load ⎢      −      ⎥
                                        load = total annual heating energy required for the building (MMBtu*)
                                        COPL = seasonal average COP of heat pump having the lower of the two COPs
         ⎣ COPL   COPH ⎦                COPH = seasonal average COP of heat pump having the higher of the two COPs

                                        * 1 MMBtu = 1,000,000 Btu

Example: A house has a design heating load of 36,000 Btu/hr when the outdoor temperature is 0 ºF, and the
indoor temperature is 70 ºF. The house is located in Syracuse, NY with 6,720 annual heating ºF•days. The
estimated annual space heating energy use is 49.7 MMBtu. Assume that one heat pump option has a seasonal
average COP of 3.28. The other heat pump has a seasonal COP of 2.8.

         ⎡ 1     1 ⎤          ⎡ 1    1 ⎤
S = load ⎢     −     ⎥ = 49.7 ⎢    −     ⎥ = 2.6MMBtu / year
         ⎣ COPL COPH ⎦        ⎣ 2.8 3.28 ⎦
The cost savings associated with an energy savings of 2.6 MMBtu/hr depends on the cost of electricity. For
example, if electricity sells at a flat rate of $0.13 / KWHR, the cost savings would be:

                  2.6MMBtu ⎛ 292.997KWHR ⎞ ⎛ $0.13 ⎞
Cost savings =             ⎜⎝            ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝      ⎟⎠ = $99 / year
                     year       1MMBtu         KWHR

Can the added cost of the higher COP heat pump be recovered in a reasonable time?
Diminishing returns of higher COPs
Example house: 36,000 BTU/hr design load at 70ºF inside & 0 ºF outside
Location: Syracuse, NY (6720 heating degree days)
Total estimated heating energy required: 49.7 MMBTU / season
Average cost of electricity: $0.13/kwhr
Distribution system: radiant panels with design load supply temperature = 110ºF

AIR-TO-WATER HEAT PUMP OPTION
Based on simulation software, a nominal 4.5 ton split system air-to-water heat pump supplying this load has a
seasonal COP = 2.8.
Estimated installed cost = $10,600 (not including distribution system)

GEOTHERMAL WATER-TO-WATER HEAT PUMP OPTION:
Based on simulation using simulation software, a nominal 3 ton water to water heat pump supplying this load from a vertical
earth loop has a seasonal COP = 3.28.
Estimated installed cost = $11,800 (earth loop) + $8750 (balance of system) = $20,550 (not including distribution system)
Deduct for 30% federal tax credit: ($ -6165)
Net installed cost: $14,385 (not including distribution system)

Annual space heating cost:
AIR-TO-WATER HEAT PUMP (COPave= 2.8) = $676 / yr
GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP (COPave = 3.28) = $577 / yr
Difference in annual heating cost: $99 / year
Difference in net installed cost: $3,785
Simple payback on higher cost of geothermal HP: 3785 / 99 ≈ 38 years

Without subsidies the estimated difference in installed cost is $9,950
With reinstated 30% federal tax credit the difference in installed cost is $3785
Initial difference in annual heating cost: $98 / year

Draw your own conclusions….
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.

5. Air-to-water heat pumps are significantly less disruptive to install
compared to geothermal heat pumps:

Horizontal earth loops require large land areas and
major excavation.
In my area, vertical earth loops cost about $3,000+ per
ton for drilling, pipe insertion, and grouting. Additional
cost is incurred for connecting multiple vertical piping
loops, and routing piping back to the location of the
heat pump. The drill “tailings” usually have to be
removed from the site.

Replacement of any                                           www.thegeoecchange.org
affected pavements or
landscaping also
needs to be factored
into the cost of
installing a geothermal
heat pump system.
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.

6. As home space heating loads get
smaller, the domestic water heating load
becomes an increasingly higher
percentage of the total annual heating
energy requirement.

                                                                                 Water
                                                                                heating
Some estimates put the DHW load at 25-30 percent of                            COP = 1.0
the total annual energy requirement in a well insulated
modern home.

Most ductless mini-split heat pumps cannot provide
domestic water heating, but a properly configured air-to-
water heat pump can.

A standard electric water heater providing domestic water heating in a
situation where the heat pump can not, delivers heat at a COP of 1.0.
If that energy was instead attained through an air-to-water heat pump,
it could be delivered at a COP averaging perhaps 2.5 over the year.
For a family of 4, needing 60 gallons per day of water heated from 50
to 120 ºF, and assuming electrical energy priced at $0.12 per KWHR,
                                                                         Water heating
the difference in annual domestic water heating cost between these
scenarios is $270.
                                                                         COP = 2.5+
Several trends suggest that a growing market will emerge for air-to-water heat pumps.
7. The high COP cited for some                                                             Example of a commercially
geothermal heat pumps doesn’t                                                              available earth loop flow center.
include the power required to move                                                         4, UP26-150 circulators (370 watts
flow through the earth loop.                                                               each) = 1,480 watts pumping
                                                                                           power input.

The ANSI 13256-2 standard for geo heat pump COP includes an estimate for the power required to move flow
through the heat pump - BUT DOESN’T INCLUDE ANY ALLOWANCE FOR THE EARTH LOOP PUMPING
POWER.
The high flow and head required in some geothermal earth loops requires substantial circulator power.

Example: A specific water-to-water geothermal heat pump has the follow listed performance information:
Earth loop entering temperature = 30ºF
Entering load water temperature = 100 ºF
Flow rate (both evaporator and condenser) = 9 gpm
Heating capacity = 27,700 Btu/hr
Electrical power input = 2370 watts

Based on a typical earth loop, the pumping requirement is 10.5 gpm at 35.5 feet of head. This equates
to an estimated pump input of 287 watts.
                              Btu                                                          Btu
                     27700                                                           27700
COPHP only =                  hr            = 3.42   COPHP +loop pump   =                   hr                = 3.05
                           ⎛       Btu ⎞                                                       ⎛       Btu ⎞
                              3413                                                                3413
               ( 2.37kw ) ⎜⎜       hr ⎟                                                        ⎜
                                                                          ( 2.37kw + 0.287kw ) ⎜       hr ⎟
                                 kw ⎟                                                                kw ⎟
                           ⎜⎝          ⎟⎠                                                      ⎜⎝          ⎟⎠

Nominal 11% drop in “net” COP
Other (unique)
air-to-water heat
      pumps
Split system air-to-water heat pump
Nordic air-to-water heat pump

                                INDOOR UNIT
                                compressor
                                refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger
                                reversing valve
                                controls
                                desuperheater (for DHW)

                                OUTDOOR UNIT
                                (major components)
                                air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger
                                fan
Bring your own condenser...
ThermAtlantic Energy Products, Inc.
Bring your own condenser...                                                                             Heating mode
                                                                                 Heat pump routes heat to buffer tank
                                            absorbed!                            Heat delivered from buffer
                                        (low temperature)!
                                               heat                              tank to low temperature load

                                                                                                 chilled water air handler

                                        ON
    air source heat pump!                                                                                       OFF
         outdoor unit
     temperature sensor

                                                                                                                                               zone!
                                                                                OFF                                                        thermostats

                                                                                                                             manifold
                                                                                      controls                                 valve
                                                                                                                             actuators

                                                                                                           ON
                                                                                                                       electric!
                                                                                                                        boiler
                                                                                                                                         zoned radiant !

                                                               ON            DX2W module                          ON!                    ceiling panels

                          buffer tank                        open                                           (supplemental)!
                                                                    closed

                                                             open
Bring your own condenser...                                                                    Cooling mode
                                                      Heat pump chills buffer tank
                rejected!
                  heat
                                                      Chilled water delivered to air handler for latent
                                                      cooling, & mixing chilled water to radiant panels
                                                      for sensible cooling
                                                                         chilled water air handler

                     ON
  air source heat pump!                                                                  ON
       outdoor unit

                                                                                                                     zone!
                                                         ON                                                      thermostats

                                                                                                     manifold
                                                              controls                                 valve
                                                                                                     actuators

                                                                                    ON
                                                                                               electric!
                                                                                                boiler
                                                                                                               zoned radiant !

                                ON                    DX2W module                              OFF              ceiling panels
                                                                                                           (cooling mode operation)
       buffer tank          partially!
                             open
                                         partially!
                                          open

                             mixed
39
Heating performance:
(inverter drive scroll compressor unit)

                               leaving water temperature     95 ºF                                               95 ºF
                                                           131 ºF                 leaving water temperature
                                                                                                              131 ºF
                           80000                                                   5
                                                                                  4.5
                                                                                   4
                           60000
    heat output (Btu/hr)

                                                                                  3.5
                                                                                   3

                                                                            COP
                           40000                                                  2.5
                                                                                   2
                                                                                  1.5
                           20000
                                                                                   1
                                                                                  0.5
                              0
                                                                                   0
                                   -5   5    15 25 35 45 55 65         75
                                                                                        -5    5    15 25 35 45 55 65         75
                                            outdoor temperature (ºF)
                                                                                                  outdoor temperature (ºF)

                                   Heating capacity                                          COP
                                   Increases with:                                           Increases with:
                                   a. warmer outdoor temperature                             a. warmer outdoor temperature
                                   b. lower load water temperature                           b. lower load water temperature
Heating performance:

                        OUTSIDE

                                  INSIDE
                                                        HEATING MODE

     outside air                                          load water

                                                                  temperature!
                                                                       "lift"!
                                                                 (less is better)

                                           load water
                                                          outside air

Anything that reduces the “temperature lift” increases
both the heating capacity and COP of the heat pump.

Low temperature distribution systems are critical to good
performance.
Cooling performance:
                                     Daikin Alterma model ERLQ054BAVJU                                                                       Daikin Alterma model ERLQ054BAVJU
                                               leaving chilled water temp = 59 ºF                                                                      leaving chilled water temp = 59 ºF
                                                leaving chilled water temp = 55 ºF                                                                     leaving chilled water temp = 55 ºF
                                                  leaving chilled water temp = 50 ºF                                                                    leaving chilled water temp = 50 ºF
                                                     leaving chilled water temp = 45 ºF                                                                   leaving chilled water temp = 45 ºF

                                                                                          Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) (Btu/hr/watt)
                             70000                                                                                                      14

                                                                                                                                        13
                             65000
 Cooling capacity (Btu/hr)

                                                                                                                                        12
                             60000
                                                                                                                                        11

                             55000                                                                                                      10

                                                                                                                                         9
                             50000
                                                                                                                                         8
                             45000
                                                                                                                                         7

                             40000                                                                                                       6
                                     60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105                                                                         60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
                                          Oudoor air temperature (ºF)                                                                              Outdoor air temperatue (ºF)

                                     Cooling capacity                                                                               EER
                                     Increases with:                                                                                Increases with:
                                     a. lower outdoor temperature                                                                   a. lower outdoor temperature
                                     b. Higher chilled water temperature                                                            b. higher chilled water temperature
Cooling performance:

                                                OUTSIDE

                                                          INSIDE
  COOLING MODE                    outside air

      outside air

               temperature!                                        chilled water

                    "lift"!
              (less is better)

     chilled water

 Anything that decreases the temperature lift’ increases
 both the cooling capacity and EER of the heat pump.

Warmer chilled water temperatures improve performance.
LOW-AMBIENT
 Air-to-Water
  Heat Pump
   Systems
evaporator
                                                      outside!                                 outside!
                                                        air                           fan        air

                        Standard
                                                                                            !

                      refrigeration                                                     compressor

                          cycle                                                                           condensor

                                                                                                                 water out

             evaporator                                                                                         water in
                                                                        (main) TXV!
                                                                          thermal
outside!                                  outside!                       expansion
  air                           fan         air                            valve

                                                      vapor injection port
                                  EVI enabled!
   EVI allows                     compressor               electronic expansion
    increased
   refrigerant
                                                           valve
                                                            condensor
                                                                                                 EVI
 mass flow into
 evaporator, &
     at lower
                                                                      water out             refrigeration
     entering
 temperatures.                                                         water in                 cycle
                  (main) TXV!               refrigerant!
                    thermal                "sub-cooler"               solenoid
                   expansion                                          valve
                                                 sub cooled!
                     valve
                                                 liquid refrigerant
Freeze protection
Simplest option: Use antifreeze solution in entire system

                               OUTSIDE

                                         INSIDE
                                                  entire system filled with
                                                    antifreeze solution

                                                                   pressure relief valve
                                                                   air separator

                                                                          remainder
                                                                          of system

      air-to-water heat pump

        flexible connectors
                               expansion tank
                                fill / purge valves
Heat exchangers between heat pump                                                                             maximum!
                                                                                                               approach!
and distribution system                                                                                      temperature!
                                                                                                              difference!

                             OUTSIDE
                                                                                                               (heating)

                                        INSIDE
My own installation...

February 2015
Upstate NY
-23 ºF air temperature
-29 ºF wind chill

Feb 7, 2018
Design objectives:
1. Be able to serve as heat source
for building with 18,000 Btu/hr
design load (via radiant floor
heating).

2. Retain oil-fired boiler and allow
simple manual selection of heat
source. (flip of switch)

3. Provide zoned chilled water
cooling for 1st floor office, and 2nd
floor guest room.

4. Be equipped for BTU metering
of energy from heat pump &
KWHR meter of electrical energy to
heat pump (to calculated COP, and
EER)
Supporting the heat pump

Treated lumber pedestal to keep unit
above snow level

                                       Added 2 threaded rods w/ base
                                       flanges to stiffen pedestal
Piping details to keep condensate out of wall framing

                                                        1” FPT copper adapter
                                                          2” PVC sleeve

                                                        wrap with electrical tape
                                                        for tight fit

1” Chamflex hoses with offset to
allow small movement
                                       foam sealant
                                                           inside
high wall fan coil

                                                                      1/2” FPT to
                                                                      propex adapter

                                                                      1/2” MPT lines
                                                                      on air handler

                                                                     end of
                                                                     condensate
                                                                     drain hose

                                                           HW-18-ECM (@ 2.1 gpm flowrate)
                                                25000

                                                20000

                          Heat ouput (Btu/hr)
                                                15000

                                                10000

                                                 5000

                                                    0
condensate drain direct                                 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
through outside wall                                         Entering water temperature (ºF)
Importance of low
    temperature
distribution systems
Heat sources such as condensing boilers, geothermal & ATW heat pumps,
and solar collectors all benefit from low water temperature operation.
                                                                                                                                     5.1

                                                                                                  Coefficient Of Performance (COP)
                                                                                                                                     4.9

                                                                                                                                     4.7

                                                                                                                                     4.5

                                                                                                                                     4.3

                                                                                                                                     4.1

                                                                                                                                     3.9

                                                                                                                                     3.7

                                                                                                                                     3.5
                                                                                                                                       100    105      110     115    120      125
                                                                                                                                             Entering water temperature (ºF)

                                                 0.8

                                                 0.7
                thermal efficiency (decimal %)

                                                 0.6

                                                 0.5

                                                 0.4

                                                 0.3

                                                 0.2
                                                                ambient air temp. = 30ºF!
                                                 0.1
                                                            solar radiation = 250 Btu/hr/ft2)
                                                  0
                                                       60     80      100 120 140 160 180 200
                                                                   inlet fluid temperature (ºF)
“FUTURE PROOF” your hydronic systems...
Select heat emitters, and design hydronic distribution
systems so that they can supply design load output
using supply water temperatures no higher than 120 ºF.

Even lower design load supply temperatures are
preferred when possible.

This is especially important when renewable
energy heat sources are used.
Water temperature ranges for various hydronic heat emitters
 • The heat output of any heat emitter always drops with decreasing water temperature.
 • There is always some output provided the supply water temperature is above the
 room air temperature.
 • There is always a trade off between the total surface area of the heat emitters in the
 system, and the supply water temperature required to meet the heating load.

 • More heat emitter area always lowers the required supply water temperature.

      120 ºF, suggested maximum supply water temperature for modern systems

                                                                                          traditional cast-iron radiators
                                                                                          traditional fin-tube baseboard

                                                                                                                                  NOT RECOMMENDED
                                                                              fan-coils
                                                      panel radiators
                        ceiling heating
                          wall heating
                                                underfloor tube&plate
                                   above floor tube&plate
                                          thin slab
                            covered heated slab
      floor heating (bare slab)

 80        90        100          110       120         130       140   150     160         170        180       190        200

 • Don’t feel constrained to select heat emitters based on traditional supply water
 temperatures…
Slab-on-grade floor heating

                                                         tube
                                                        spacing

                              4"
                           concrete
                             slab
                                                          6-inch tube spacing
                                                          12-inch tube spacing
                                                                   Rff=0     Rff=0.5
                                            60

                        upward heat flux!
                                                                                       Rff=1.0

                          (Btu/hr/ft2)
                                            40                                         Rff=1.5
                                                                                       Rff=2.0

                                            20

                                            0
                                                 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
                                                       Driving ∆T (Tw-Tr) (ºF)!
                                                 Average water temp. - room air temp
                                Rff = resistance of finish flooring (ºF/hr/ft^2/Btu)
Don’t do this with ANY hydronic heat source!

Heat transfer between the water and the upper floor surface is severely restricted!
Don’t do this with ANY hydronic heat source!

Heat transfer between the water and the upper floor surface is severely restricted!
Hydronic heat emitters options for low energy use houses

Most CONVENTIONAL fin-tube baseboard has been sized around boiler
temperatures of 160 to 200 ºF. Much too high for good thermal
performance of low temperature hydronic heat sources.

Could add fin-tube length based on
lower water temperatures. BUT...

Fin-tube output at 120 ºF is only
about 30% of its output at 200ºF
Hydronic heat emitters options for low energy use houses
Some low- temperature baseboard is now available
Hydronic heat emitters options for low energy use houses
Panel Radiators
One of the fastest responding hydronic heat emitters

 From setback to almost steady state in 4 minutes…
Hydronic heat emitters options for low energy use houses
Panel Radiators
• Adjust heat output for operation
at lower water temperatures.

                                As an approximation, a panel radiator operating with
                               an average water temperature of 110 ºF in a room
                               room maintained at 68 ºF, provides approximately 27
                               percent of the heat output it yields at an average water
                               temperature of 180 ºF.
Fan-assisted Panel Radiators
The “NEO”, just released from Runtal North America

                   8 tube high x 31.5” wide produces 2095 Btu/hr at
                   average water temperature of 104 ºF in 68ºF room

                   8 tube high x 59” wide produces 5732 Btu/hr at average
                   water temperature of 104 ºF in 68ºF room
Site built radiant CEILINGS…

                                 Thermal image of radiant ceiling in operation

                                        Heat output formula:
                                    q = 0.71× (Twater − Troom )
                               Where:

                               Q = heat output of ceiling (Btu/hr/ft2)
                               Twater = average water temperature in panel (ºF)
                               Troom = room air temperature (ºF)
Site built radiant WALLS…
Site built radiant WALLS…

                                                  Heat output formula:
• completely out of sight
• low mass -fast response
                                                     q = 0.8 × (Twater − Troom )
                                                  Where:
• reasonable output at low water temperatures
• stronger than conventional drywall over studs   Q = heat output of wall (Btu/hr/ft2)
                                                  Twater = average water temperature in panel (ºF)
• don’t block with furniture                      Troom = room air temperature (ºF)
System
Examples
Reverse indirect tank buffers space heating &
significantly preheats domestic water
                                                                                             (ZP1)               (T1)
         Source: Turbomax tanks

                                             entire system filled with                       (ZP2)               (T2)
                                               antifreeze solution

                                                   OUTSIDE

                                                             INSIDE
                                                                                                                        point-of-use
                                                                                                                        instantaneous
                                                                                                                        water heater

                                  SPACEPAK
                                                                             (MV1)
                                                                                     (SPC)                              ASSE
                                                                                                                        1070
                                                                                             (S1)                       valve
                                                                                                                                DHW
                                                 (S2)
                                                                                                                                 CW

                                                                      (P1)
                                                                                              reverse indirect
                                                                                               water heater /
                                                                                                buffer tank
        Solstice Extreme   (HP)                       flexible
    air-to-water heat pump                          connectors
Reverse indirect tank buffers space heating &
     significantly preheats domestic water
                                                                                                                                                                  DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION:

                                                                                                           (ZP1)                           (T1)
                                                                                                                                                                  Power supply: The Solstice heat pump, circulator (P1), and motorized valve
                                                                                                                                                                  (MV1) are powered by a dedicated 240/120 VAC 30 amp circuit. The heat pump
                                                                                                                                                                  disconnect switch (HPDS) must be closed to provide power. The remainder of
                                            entire system filled with                                      (ZP2)                           (T2)
                                              antifreeze solution                                                                                                 the control system is powered by 120 VAC 15 amp circuit. The main switch (MS)
                                                                                                                                                                  must be closed to provide power. The instantaneous water heater is supplied by
                                                  OUTSIDE

                                                                                                                                                                  a dedicated 240 VAC / 60 amp circuit.
                                                                 INSIDE

                                                                                                                                                  point-of-use    Heat pump operation: Whenever the main switch (MS) is closed 120 VAC is
                                                                                                                                                  instantaneous
                                                                                                                                                  water heater
                                                                                                                                                                  passed to the multi-zone relay center (MZRC). The (MZRC) passes 24 VAC to
                                                                                     (MV1)
                                 SPACEPAK
                                                                                                                                                                  the temperature setpoint controller (SPC) which monitor the temperature at
                                                                                             (SPC)                                                ASSE
                                                                                                                                                  1070
                                                                                                          (S1)                                    valve
                                                                                                                                                          DHW
                                                                                                                                                                  sensor (S1) in the buffer tank. If the temperature at sensor (S1) is below 105 ºF,
                                                (S2)
                                                                                                                                                           CW     the (SPC) closes its contact, which completes a circuit between terminals 15 and
                                                                                                                                                                  16 in the Solstice Extreme heat pump, enabling it to operate in heating mode.
                                                                                                                                                                  After a short time delay, circulator (P1) and motorized valve (MV1) will be
                                                                          (P1)                                                                                    supplied with 120 VAC from the heat pump. This establishes flow of the system’s
                                                                                                            reverse indirect
                                                                                                             water heater /
                                                                                                              buffer tank                                         antifreeze solution through the heat pump. The heat pump verifies adequate
                Solstice Extreme   (HP)                flexible
            air-to-water heat pump                   connectors                                                                                                   flow using its internal flow switch, and when adequate flow is proven, starts the
                                                                                                                                                                  heat pump in heating mode. The 120 VAC supplied to (MV1) opens the valve
                                             240/120 VAC                                                                                                          allowing flow between the heat pump and the headers of the thermal storage
                                             30 amp circuit
                                               L1 L2         N                        L1                                                            N     G
                                                                                                                                                                  tank. The system continues in this mode until the temperature at sensor (S1)
                              heat pump                                                               120 VAC / 15amp circuit
                              disconnect                                                                                                                          reaches 125ºF, at which point the contacts in the setpoint controller (SPC) open
                              switch                                                         main                              (T1) (T2)
                           (HPDS)
                                                                                             switch                                                               turning off the heat pump, circulator (P1) and motorized valve (MV1).
       instantaneous                                                                         (MS)
        water heater

240 VAC                                                                                                                                                           Space heating: Whenever the main switch (MS) is closed, 24 VAC is sent to
 60 amp                   (P1)
  circuit                                        L                                                                                                                thermostats (T1, T2). When either thermostat calls for heating its associated
                                                 N
                                                 Solstice                                                   (MZRC)                                                zone circulator (ZP1, ZP2) is turned on.
                                                 Extreme
                                                heat pump

                               (MV1)           15 16 17 18                                                                                                        Domestic water heating: Domestic water passes through the copper tubing
                                                                                                                                                                  coils suspended in the buffer tank. The tank temperature at sensor (S1) is
                                                            (HP)
                                                                          (SPC)                                                                                   maintained between 105 and 125 ºF. Domestic water passing through the coil
                                                                           R     C
                                                                                                                       (ZP1) (ZP2)
                                                                                       (S1)                                                                       will be preheated (or at time fully heated) as it passes through this coil. Any
                                                                                       sensor
                                                                                                                                                                  additional temperature rise of the domestic water is provided by the tankless
                                                                                                                                                                  electric water heater.
Cold climate air-to-water heat pump system                                                                     radiant panel mainfold station 1

• 2 zones of radiant panel heating
                                                                                                              (AH1) OFF
• 2 zones of chilled water cooling
• 80 gallon buffer tank
• High efficiency variable speed distribution circulator                                       (ZVH1)
                                                                                               (ZVC1)
• Direct-to-load supply side piping                                                            OFF
                                                                                                               radiant panel mainfold station 2

                                                                                               (ZVH2)
                                                                                                              (AH2) OFF

                               HEATING MODE                                                    (ZVC2)
                                  All piping and components                                    OFF
                                 conveying chilled water must
                                 be insulated and vapor sealed

                                                                     OUTSIDE

                                                                               INSIDE
                                   entire system filled with                                        (P2)
                                       propylene glycol
                                      antifreeze solution

                                                                                           spring
                                                                                           check                          (ORC)
                                                          SPACEPAK
                                                                                           valve                                      (S2)
                                                                                                                                    outdoor
                                                                                                                  (S1)            temperature
                                                                                                                  (S3)               sensor
                                                                                                           temperature
                                                                                                               sensors
                                                                                                                          (SPC)

                                                                                        (P1)
                                                                                                           heated buffer tank

                                        Solstice Extreme   (HP)        flexible
                                    air-to-water heat pump           connectors
Cold climate air-to-water heat pump
• 2 zones of radiant panel heating                                                               (AH1)

• 2 zones of chilled water cooling
• 80 gallon buffer tank                                                       OFF
                                                                              (ZVH1)
• High efficiency variable speed distribution                                 (ZVC1)
circulator
• Direct-to-load supply side piping
                                                                              (ZVH2)
                                                                              OFF                (AH2)

              COOLING MODE                                                    (ZVC2)
                 All piping and components
                conveying chilled water must
                be insulated and vapor sealed
                                                    OUTSIDE

                                                              INSIDE

                  entire system filled with                                        (P2)
                      propylene glycol
                     antifreeze solution

                                                                          spring
                                                                          check                                (ORC)
                                                                          valve
                                         SPACEPAK                                                                      (S2)

                                                                                                     (S1)
                                                                                                    (S3)
                                                                                             temperature
                                                                                                 sensors
                                                                                                               (SPC)

                                                                       (P1)
                                                                                          heated buffer tank

                       Solstice Extreme   (HP)        flexible
                   air-to-water heat pump           connectors
Cold climate air-to-water heat                                                                                                                                       Description of operation:

pump system                                                                                                                                                          Power supply: The Solstice Extreme heat pump and circulator (P1) are powered by a
                                                                                                                                                                     dedicated 240/120 VAC 30 amp circuit. The heat pump disconnect switch (HPDS) must be
                                                                                                                                                                     closed to provide power to the heat pump. The remainder of the control system is powered
                                                                                                                                                                     by 120 VAC / 15 amp circuit. The main switch (MS) must be closed to provide power to the
                            240 VAC                       240/120 VAC
                          15 amp circuit                  30 amp circuit
                                                                                                                                                                     control system. Both fan coils are powered by a dedicated 120 VAC / 15 amp circuit. The
                           L1 L2    G
                                             heat pump
                                                           L1 L2    N      G                   L1                                                            N   G   service switch for each air handler must be closed for that air handler to operate.
                                             disconnect                                                              120 VAC / 15amp circuit
                                             switch                                                     main
                                            (HPDS)                                                      switch
                                                                                                                                                                     Heating mode: The mode selection switch (MSS) must be set for heating. This passes 24
                                                                                                        (MS)
                                                                                                                                                                     VAC to the RH terminal in each thermostat. Whenever either thermostat demands heat,
                                           (P1)             L1 L2                                                                                                    24VAC is passed from the thermostat’s W terminal to the associated zone valve (ZVH1, or
                                                              L
                                                              N                                                                                                      ZVH2). When the zone valve reaches its fully open position its internal end switch closes,
                                                              Solstice
                                                              Extreme
                                                                                                                                                                     passing 24 VAC to relay coil (R1). Relay contact (R1-1) closes to pass 120 VAC to
                                                             heat pump
                                                                                                                                                                     circulator (P2). Relay contact (R1-2) closes to pass 24VAC to outdoor reset controller
                                                           15 16 17 18
                                                                                                                                                                     (ODR). The (ODR) measures outdoor temperature at sensor (S2), and uses this
                                                                                                                                                                     temperature along with it settings to calculate the target supply water temperature for the
                                                                                                                                                                     buffer tank. It then measures the temperature of the buffer tank at sensor (S1). If the
                                                                           (R2-3)

                                                                                                            (R1-1)
                                                                                                                                                                     temperature at (S1) is more than 3 ºF below the target temperature the (ODR) closes its
                                                                                                            (R2-1)                                                   relay contact. This completes a circuit between terminals 15 and 16 in the Solstice extreme
                                                                                                                                                                     heat pump, enabling it in heating mode. After a short time delay the heat pump (HP) turns
                                                                                                                                                  (P2)               on circulator (P1) and verifies adequate flow through the heat pump. After a short time
                                                                                                                                           transformer               delay the heat pump compressor turns on it compressor. The heat pump continues to
                                                                                                                                           120/24 VAC

                                                                                                            (MSS)            24 VAC                                  operate until the temperature at sensor (S1) is 3 ºF above the target temperature calculated
                                                                                                            Mode
                                                                                                                                                                     by the (ODR), or neither thermostat calls for heat, or the heat pump reaches it internal high
                                                                                        heat

                                                                                                     cool

                service                                                                                     selection
 (AH1)          switch                                                                         off          switch                              (RC)
          L1
                                                                                                                                                                     limit setting. Note: Neither air handler operates in heating mode, regardless of the fan
          L2                                                                                                                                    (R1)                 switch setting on the thermostats.
  G   R   G

               (RC-1)                                                                                                                           (R2)
                                                                                                                      RC                                             Cooling mode: The mode selection switch (MSS) must be set for cooling. This passes
                                                                                                                      RH
                                                                                                                           (ZVH1)
                                                                                                                                                                     24VAC to relay coil (RC). normally open contacts (RC-1) and (RC-2) close allowing 24VAC
                service                                                                                       W                M

 (AH2)          switch                                                                                                                                               from the air handlers to pass to the RC terminal in each thermostat. Whenever either
                                                                                                                      G
          L1
          L2
                                                                                                                                                                     thermostat calls for cooling, 24VAC is passed from the thermostat’s Y terminal to the
                                                                                                               Y               M

  G   R   G                                                                                                   thermostat
                                                                                                                                                                     associated zone valve (ZVC1, or ZVC2). When the zone valve reaches its fully open
                                                                                                               (T1)        (ZVC1)
               (RC-2)                                                                                                                                                position its internal end switch closes, passing 24 VAC to relay coil (R2). Relay contact
                                                                                                                      RC
                                                                                                                      RH
                                                                                                                           (ZVH2)                                    (R2-1) closes to pass 120 VAC to circulator (P2). Relay contact (R2-2) closes to pass
                                                                                                              W                M
                                                                                                                                                                     24VAC to the cooling setpoint controller (SPC). The cooling setpoint controller measures
                                                                                                                      G
                                                                                                                                                                     the temperature of the buffer tank at sensor (S3). If this temperature is 60 ºF or higher, the
                                                                                                               Y
                                                                                                              thermostat
                                                                                                                               M
                                                                                                                                                                     (SPC) relay contact closes completing a circuit between terminals 15 and 16 on the Solstice
                                                                                                               (T2)        (ZVC2)                                    Extreme heat pump (HP) enabling it to operate. Relay contact (R2-3) closes between
                                                                                                                                                                     terminals 17 and 18 in the Solstice Extreme heat pump (HP), switching it to cooling mode.
                                                                                    (R1-2)                                            (ORC)
                                                                                                                                       R    C                        The heat pump (HP) turns on circulator (P1) and verifies adequate flow through the heat
                                                                                                                                                         (S1)
                                                                                                                                                                     pump. After a short time delay the heat pump compressor turns on it compressor and
                                                                                                                                                         (S2)
                                                                                                                                                   sensors           operates in chiller mode. This continues until the temperature at sensor (S3) drops to 45 ºF,
                                                                                                                                                                     or until neither zone thermostat calls for cooling, or until the heat pump reaches in internal
                                                                                    (R2-2)                                            (SPC)
                                                                                                                                       R    C
                                                                                                                                                                     low limit setting. The blowers in the air handlers can be manually turned on at the
                                                                                                                                                   (S3)              thermostats when the mode selection switch (MSS) is set to cooling. The blowers will
                                                                                                                                                   sensor
                                                                                                                                                                     operate automatically whenever either cooling zone is active.
Dynamic Duo: hydronic heat pump + boiler
This combination provides the following benefits:

• The mod/con boiler can serve as a “peaking tool” to meet peak loads when
necessary.

• The heat pump can be smaller in capacity relative to design load. This is
helpful in applications where the cooling load is significantly smaller than the
design heating load.

• Having a mod/con boiler as a secondary heat source provides full or partial
backup if the heat pump is not operating.

• The boiler’s electrical power demand is relatively small compared to the
heat pump. This makes it more feasible to operate the heating system from
a modestly-sized backup generator during power outages.

• In areas where time-of-use electrical rates are available, it would be
possible to operate the heat pump when off-peak rates are in effect, and
avoid high on-peak rates by using the boiler as the heat source.
towel warmer

Heating + Cooling +DHW
                                                        radiator            air vent
                                                                                                         thermostatic operator

                                                                                                                                           air vent

Self-contained (2-stage)
                                                            TRV

air-to-water heat pump w/                                                                                   dual isolation valve

mod/con auxiliary boiler

Single thermal mass tank                                                                                                              mod/con boiler

                                                  PEX, or                                                                                                      2-stage temperature
                                                  PEX-AL-PEX tubing                                                                                            setpoint controller (SPH)
                                                                                                         variable speed
                                                                                                           circulator (P2)

Supplies:                                                                                                                                                                    isolation and

 •
                                                                                                                                                                             flushing valves

   zoned space heating                                                                                                                                                       for potable side
                                                                                                                                                                             of HX

 •
                                                                             manifold station
                                                                                                                                                                               P&T

   single zone cooling                                                                                                                    temp.                                 DHW

                                                                                                                                                        (P3)

                                                                                                                                                                 (HX)
 •
                                                                                                                                         sensor
   domestic hot water                                                                                                                            (S1)
                                                                                                                                                                        (FS1)

 • automatic aux boiler                                                                                                                 buffer

                                                                  OUTSIDE

                                                                               INSIDE
                                                                                                                                         tank
                                                                                                                                                               (P4)
                                                                                                diverter
                                                                                                             N.C.
                                                                                                 valve       A

                                                                                                                    (DV1)
                                                                                                    AB

2 stage or inverter drive                                                                                    B
                                                                                                             N.O.

heat pump very important                                                                (P1)                          spring-loaded
                                                                                                                      check valves

to avoid short cycling in           Solstice SE

cooling mode.                air to water heat pump

                                                                                                                                               (AH1)

             Entire system filled with propylene                                                                                        (S2)
                                                                                                                                             single zone
                                                                                                                                             air handler
                                                                                                                                                  for

             glycol antifreeze solution.                                                                                                       cooling
Heating + Cooling +DHW                                                                                                                                                                    Electrical Wiring
                                                                                                                                                                             240 VAC
                                                                                                                                                                            L1 L2     N                                L1                                                                             N
                           towel warmer                                                                                                                                                                                                                        120 VAC
                             radiator            air vent
                                                                              thermostatic operator                                                                                                                                 main
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    switch
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (MS)
                                                                                                                air vent

                                                                                                                                                                              L          (HP)
                                 TRV
                                                                                 dual isolation valve                                                                (P1)     N
                                                                                                                                                                              Solstice
                                                                                                                                                                                 SE
                                                                                                                                                                             heat pump
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (RH2-1)

                                                                                                                                                                            43
                                                                                                                                                                            44
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              (P2)

                                                                                                                                                                            5
                                                                                                                                                                            6
                                                                                                           mod/con boiler                                                                                                             (Rdhw-1)                            (P4)

                                                                                                                                                                                              (RH1-2)
                       PEX, or                                                                                                      2-stage temperature                                                                               (RB-1)                              (AH1)
                       PEX-AL-PEX tubing                                                                                            setpoint controller (SPH)
                                                                              variable speed
                                                                                circulator (P2)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              mod/con
                                                                                                                                                  isolation and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                boiler                    T

                                                                                                                                                                                    (RH1-1)
                                                                                                                                                  flushing valves
                                                                                                                                                  for potable side                                                                                               (B1)                     T
                                                                                                                                                  of HX

                                                  manifold station
                                                                                                                                                    P&T
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (P3)
                                                                                                               temp.                                 DHW

                                                                                                                             (P3)

                                                                                                                                      (HX)
                                                                                                              sensor                                                                                                                                                              transformer
                                                                                                                      (S1)                                                                                                                                                        120/24 VAC
                                                                                                                                             (FS1)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 24 VAC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (Rdhw)
                                                                                                             buffer
                                       OUTSIDE

                                                    INSIDE

                                                                                                              tank                                                                                                                                    (FS1)
                                                                                                                                    (P4)
                                                                     diverter
                                                                      valve
                                                                                  N.C.
                                                                                  A                                                                                                                                                                                          (SPH)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                R   C
                                                                                         (DV1)

                                                                         AB

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       (S1)                     stage 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              (RH1)
                                                                                  B
                                                                                  N.O.                                                                                                                                                sensor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2-stage
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Mode
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             setpoint
                                                                                                                                                                                                        selection                                               stage 2      controller       (DV1)
                                                                                                                                                                                                        switch

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           cool
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             cool
                                                                                           spring-loaded

                                                                                                                                                                                                                heat
                                                             (P1)
                                                                                           check valves
                                                                                                                                                                                                        (MSS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       off           off

         Solstice SE
  air to water heat pump                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 RC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         RH                       (RH2)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  W
                                                                                                                    (AH1)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  G                               (RB)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (T1)                      Y

                                                                                                                  single zone                                                                                                  master
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (SPC)
                                                                                                                  air handler                                                                                                thermostat                                               R   C
                                                                                                             (S2)      for
                                                                                                                    cooling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (S2)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                sensor
Heating + Cooling +DHW
Description of Operation                                                                                              Please read this later in the PDF
Heat Source Operation: When the main switch (MS) is closed, power is available to the line voltage and low voltage portions of the electrical system.

24VAC is applied to power up the 2-stage setpoint controller (SPH). This controller (SPH) measures the temperature at sensor (S1) in the upper portion of the thermal storage tank. If that temperature is
below the user-set stage1 setpoint (in this case 125 ºF), minus half the user-set differential (in this case half the differential is 5 ºF), then the stage 1 contacts in (SPH) close.

For space heating operation, the (DPDT) mode selection switch must be set to heat. This passes 24VAC to the RH terminal of the master thermostat (T1). It also allows 24 VAC to pass from the stage 1
contacts in the (SPH) controller to energize the diverter valve (DV1) and relay coil (RH1). Relay contact (RH1-1) closes between terminal 43 and 44 on the Solstice SE heat pump turning it on in the
heating mode. Relay contact (RH1-2) opens between terminals 5 and 6 on the Solstice SE heat pump allowing it to operate in heating mode. An internal relay within the heat pump turns on circulator
(P1). Heat from the heat pump flows to the upper header of the buffer tank. The heat pump and these associated devices continue to operate as described until sensor (S1)in the buffer tank climbs to a
temperature of 130 ºF, or if the master thermostat (T1) stops calling for heat.

If, during a call for space heating from master thermostat (T1), the temperature at sensor (S1) in the upper portion of the buffer tank drops to 115 ºF, the stage 2 contacts in the setpoint controller (SPH)
will close. These contacts complete a low voltage circuit powered through the boiler, and enable the boiler to operate in a fixed upper temperature mode. The boiler turns on circulator (P3) through an
internal relay. The boiler continues to operate until the buffer tank sensor (S1) reaches a temperature of (130 ºF), at which point the boiler turns off, and so does circulator (P3). Note: The boiler will
operate in this mode regardless of whether the mode selection switch is set to heat or cool. This allows the boiler to maintain a suitable temperature in the buffer tank for domestic water heating even
when the heat pump is operating as a chiller.

Space Heating Distribution: When master thermostat (T1) calls for heat, 24VAC passes from its W terminal to energize the coil of relay (RH2). Contact (RH2-1) closes to pass 120 VAC to circulator
(P2). This circulator is set to operate in constant differential pressure mode to provide the necessary flow to any panel radiator that does not have its thermostatic valve fully closed. Circulator (P2) will
automatically vary its speed to maintain approximately constant differential pressure across the manifold station serving the panel radiators. The thermostatic valves on each radiator can be used to limit
heat input as desired.

Domestic Water Heating Mode: Whenever there is a demand for domestic hot water of 0.6 gpm or more, flow switch (FS1) closes. This passes 24VAC to energize the coil of relay (Rdhw). Contact
(Rdhw-1) closes to pass 120 VAC to circulator (P4). Heated antifreeze solution flows from the upper portion of the buffer tank will flow through the primary side of heat exchanger (HX), and transfer heat
to the cold domestic water flow through the secondary side of the heat exchanger (HX). When the demand for domestic hot water drops to 0.4 gpm or less, flow switch (FS1) opens. This turns off relay
(Rdhw) and circulator (P4). All domestic hot water leaving the system passes through a thermostatic mixing valve to limit the water temperature to the distribution system.

Cooling Mode: For cooling operation the mode selection switch (MSS) must be set to cool. This passes 24 VAC to the RC terminal of the master thermostat. If the master thermostat is set for cooling
operation, and calls for cooling, 24VAC is passed to its Y terminal. From the Y terminal, 24VAC passes to energize the coil of relay (RB). A normally open set of contacts (RB-1) close to pass 120 VAC
to the air handler (AH1) turning it on. 24VAC also passes from the Y terminal of the master thermostat to energize cooling setpoint controller (SPC). Once energized, (SPC) monitors the temperature of
sensor (S2) on the inlet pipe to the air handler. If that temperature is above 60 ºF the contacts in (SPC) close. This completes a circuit between terminals 43 and 44 in the Solstice SE heat pump,
turning it on in cooling mode. The heat pump turns on circulator (P1) through its internal relay. All necessary devices for cooling operation are now active. The system remains in cooling operation until
either the cooling demand is removed at thermostat (T1), or the temperature at sensor (S2) on the air handler inlet drops to 40 ºF, at which point the heat pump, circulator (P1), and air handler (AH1) turn
off.
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