Inverter heat pump Central ducted systems

[gregs]

Question.. Do the inverter outdoor condenser units use a open contactor like a typical unit? I am guessing since its all variable speed that it has some type of SCR switch with no open contacts?

The only reason I ask is that one possible location is near a couple of 100# propane cylinders that are for our stove. Everything I have seen so far say a minimum of 10 feet which I could do, but also looking at different configurations that may be closer.

 

[cpakalolo]

Question.. Do the inverter outdoor condenser units use a open contactor like a typical unit? I am guessing since its all variable speed that it has some type of SCR switch with no open contacts?

The only reason I ask is that one possible location is near a couple of 100# propane cylinders that are for our stove. Everything I have seen so far say a minimum of 10 feet which I could do, but also looking at different configurations that may be closer.

Inverter mini splits used to always have an open contactor. It isn't likely to spark because they use zero potential switching. The only time the contactor will engage or cut out is when there is no power coming from the IGBT's. If you have those tanks out there, you don't need to follow distance rules because they are portable.

 

[cpakalolo]

Simple thermodynamics says that a constant temperature heat sink/source (the well) will always beat a variable temperature heat sink/source (outside air). Maybe not all of the time, but certainly in extreme hot/cold weather.

Yes, extracting heat from the ground is usually more efficient. I say usually because I have only seen a few cases where gshp is less efficient, and those times were usually commercial. The problem is when you only use a/c or heat. The ground changes temperature. You are cooling it in the winter and heating it in the summer. DX systems sucked. Pump and dump systems really sucked too. Pond systems usually don't work. I do a lot of dual fuel still. You have a heatpump and a gas furnace.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The ground changes temperature.

If you are changing the temperature of the ground you are too close to the surface, You may be able to raise or lower the temperature 5 or 10° but that is all,

 

[cpakalolo]

If you are changing the temperature of the ground you are too close to the surface, You may be able to raise or lower the temperature 5 or 10° but that is all,

About 11 years ago I was working on a ground source at the nearest tech school. The return water from an 80 ton loop was 129 degrees. It was still cooing some. That was one hundred and twenty nine degrees Fahrenheit. All 80 wells were manifolds together. I had to install air source until the additional 80 wells were drilled. We do a lot of ground source here. The highest in the country by far.

 

[gregs]

Yes, extracting heat from the ground is usually more efficient. I say usually because I have only seen a few cases where gshp is less efficient, and those times were usually commercial. The problem is when you only use a/c or heat. The ground changes temperature. You are cooling it in the winter and heating it in the summer. DX systems sucked. Pump and dump systems really sucked too. Pond systems usually don't work. I do a lot of dual fuel still. You have a heatpump and a gas furnace.

Just curious why the "pump and dump" (I'm guessing open loop well?) ****?

 

[cpakalolo]

They waste water. But the main problem is fouling of the water coil heat exchanger. You usually have to throw the machine away if it fails. And they usually fail the year after they are installed. Many were added as supplemental heat when burning wood. The return air would be excessively high if the system pulled air from that room resulting in compressor failure. So, you can't get rebates from your utility company if you do pump and dump or open loop.