The GeoSource 2000 is a series of geothermal heat pumps manufactured by ECONAR Energy Systems, Corp. These units are designed for both residential and commercial applications, providing highly efficient heating, cooling, and optional domestic hot water heating. The GeoSource 2000 is available in vertical and horizontal forced air models, ranging from GV/GH 18 through 120 Series.
Function Description:
Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat to and from the earth using a compression cycle, similar to a refrigerator. In heating mode, the system collects heat from the earth via an earth-coupled heat exchanger (geothermal loop) and uses it to heat the home. In cooling mode, it absorbs discharged heat from the home and transfers it back to the earth. This process makes them three to four times more efficient than traditional fossil fuel systems. The GeoSource 2000 units are available in forced air (water-to-air), hydronic (water-to-water), and combination (hydronic heating integrated into a forced air unit) configurations, with this manual focusing on the forced air models.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Blower: The GeoSource 2000 forced air heat pumps utilize a 230 Volt three-speed blower. The blower speed can be adjusted by moving a wire on the fan terminal strip.
- Duct System: Metal ductwork is recommended, with flexible connectors for discharge and return air connections. Proper duct sizing is crucial for efficient operation and noise reduction (refer to Table 1 for acceptable duct sizes). If installed in uninsulated spaces, ductwork should be insulated.
- Earth Loop Water Piping: The system can operate with either closed-loop or open-loop applications.
- Closed Loop: Recirculates a water/antifreeze solution through underground high-density polyethylene pipe. Requires antifreeze (GTF or propylene glycol) to prevent freezing, especially in cold climates where entering water temperatures (EWT) can be 25°F to 32°F. Flow rate requirements are typically 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per minute (GPM) per ton.
- Open Loop: Uses well water as the heat source/sink. Requires a well capable of supplying the heat pump's flow rate for up to 24 hours per day. Flow rates vary by model (refer to Table 3). A bladder-type pressure tank, shut-off valves, boiler drains, a screen strainer (40 or 60 mesh), a flow control valve, a solenoid valve, and a visual flow meter are necessary components.
- Water Coil Freeze Protection: For open-loop systems using non-antifreeze protected water, a freeze protection switch (ECONAR Part # 75-1028) is required to prevent freezing and rupture of the copper inner tube in the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. This switch shuts down the unit at 35 psi pressure in heating mode.
- Condensate Drain: Vertical units have built-in condensate traps and must be level. Horizontal and downflow units require an external condensate trap, mounted level, with the condensate line at least 3" below the unit's base and pitched at a minimum of 1/8" per foot. Vented condensate traps are necessary to break negative air chamber pressure.
- Electrical Service: Main electrical service must be protected by a fuse or circuit breaker and capable of providing the required amperes at nameplate voltage. All wiring must comply with national and local electrical codes. Three-phase units require proper wiring to ensure correct compressor rotation, and a phase sequence indicator should be used.
- 24 Volt Control Circuit: An internal 24-volt, 55 VA transformer powers the control features. A 2-heat/1-cool thermostat (ECONAR part number 70-2002, Honeywell part number T8511G) is recommended. The controller manages blower operation, earth loop pump initiation, compressor operation, 4-way valve control, compressor lockouts, anti-short-cycle delays, system diagnostics (LED lights), and optional overflow detection.
- Desuperheater (Optional): Provides supplemental domestic hot water heating by stripping heat from the superheated gas leaving the compressor. Includes a pump to circulate water from the hot water tank through a double-walled water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. Insulated copper tubing (1/2-inch type L, max 90 feet equivalent length) is recommended. A high-temperature cutout switch disables the pump if entering water temperature exceeds 140°F. A fuse is attached to the fuseholder and must be inserted only after water flow is available.
Usage Features:
- Thermostat Operation: The thermostat controls the system mode (Em. Heat, Heat, Off, Cool, Auto) and fan operation (On, Auto). Temperature setpoints can be adjusted using up/down keys.
- System Diagnostics: The controller features LED lights to indicate system status: GREEN for 24 Volt system power, YELLOW for Fault or Lockout, and RED for Anti-short-cycle mode.
- Compressor Anti-Short-Cycle: A delay period (30-60 seconds after shutdown, 4 minutes 35 seconds after power reapplied, or after a low-pressure switch opens in cooling mode) protects the compressor and prevents nuisance lockouts.
- Compressor Lockouts: The unit shuts down if high-pressure, low-pressure (in heating mode), or freeze protection pressure switches open. A lockout condition is indicated by an "L" terminal signal to the thermostat, lighting a red light. Power must be disconnected for one minute to reset.
Maintenance Features:
- Air Filter: A disposable air filter should be replaced monthly, or more often during extreme usage or if system performance decreases. Dirty filters reduce airflow, efficiency, and can lead to system lockouts.
- Water Coil Maintenance (Open Loop): Regular cleaning may be necessary depending on water quality.
- Freeze Cleaning (Scale/Particle Buildup): Involves draining the water coil, freezing it by running the heat pump in heating mode until low-pressure lockout, then thawing and flushing it by running in cooling mode.
- Chlorine Cleaning (Bacterial Growth): Circulates a 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water solution through the heat exchanger for 15 minutes to an hour, then flushes with fresh water until clear.
- Miratic Acid Cleaning (Difficult Scaling): Consult installer due to the dangerous nature of acids. Iron out solutions and de-scaling products are also useful.
- Condensate Drain Maintenance: If an odor occurs in cooling mode, the trap or line may be plugged or incorrectly pitched. Bleach can be poured down the drain to kill bacterial growth.
- Preseason Inspection: Before each season, inspect and clean the air coil, drain pan, and condensate drain. This involves turning off circuit breakers, removing access panels, vacuuming the air coil, removing foreign matter from the drain pan, flushing with clear water, and replacing access panels.
- Desuperheater Maintenance: Periodically open the drain on the hot water tank to remove deposits if poor water quality is an issue.
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