Northern Heatpump NorthStar RD-WE-096 Installation & Operating Instructions Manual - page 12
08/19/2014
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NI701
Figure 1
Horizontal Closed Loop
Mechanical Installation Overview
This NorthStar Series unit cannot heat or cool energy by itself. Heat pumps use the fluid in the source loop as
the energy source. Thus the design and installation of the source fluid system may be the most important part of
this heat pump system. The following items should be carefully considered and properly followed for all
installations:
Heating capacity – Size the geothermal heat pump according to the normal heating requirements as the
building exists today. Do not necessarily match to the existing furnace nameplate because it may be oversized.
Do not oversize the geothermal heat pump.
Closed Loop Applications – Closed loop system re-circulates the same water/antifreeze solution through a
closed system of underground high-density polyethylene pipe. As the solution passes
through the pipe it collects heat (in the heating mode) that is being transferred
from the relatively warm surrounding soil through the pipe and into the
relatively cold solution. The solution is circulated back to the heat pump that
extracts its heat and then returns to the ground to absorb more heat from the
earth. Earth loops must be sized properly for each particular geographic area
and individual capacity requirements.
The NorthStar Series heat pumps are designed to operate on either vertical
or horizontal closed loop applications. (Figures 1 & 2) Vertical loops are typically
installed with a well drilling rig up to 200 feet (60 m) deep or more. Horizontal
systems are typically installed with excavating or trenching equipment approximately
six to eight feet deep, depending on geographic location and length of pipe
used.
Lake or Pond Loops – Closed loop systems may also be used in lakes or rivers
to supply a heat source to the heat pump. Typically a loop consisting of
geothermal pipe can be designed and placed in an area not much deeper than
15ft (4.5 meters) with some water currents present. In any lake or pond,
municipal and area codes must be observed in regards to a lake or pond loop.
The use of an environmentally friendly loop fluid like food grade propylene
glycol should be considered if the loop was ever damaged. Consult an IGSHPA
or CGC certified installer for proper lake or pond loop design.
Figure 2
Vertical Closed Loop