EARTHLINKED GEOTHERMAL RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Transcription

1 EARTHLINKED GEOTHERMAL RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE GUIDE This guide is directed at EarthLinked trained and authorized technicians servicing and maintaining the system and should be left with the system. WARNING! EarthLinked Geothermal Renewable Energy Systems are designed and manufactured for your safety and are certified to ETL safety standards. Only EarthLinked Technologies trained and authorized technicians shall install, service, repair or adjust this heating and cooling equipment. Failure to provide installation and service by an EarthLinked trained and authorized technician will void the limited warranty coverage for the system. Observe precautions in the literature, labels and tags attached to the equipment components, and any other safety precautions or local safety codes that may apply. Electrical shock from this system may cause personal injury or death! I. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE In order to ensure peak performance, Earthlinked Geothermal Renewable Energy Systems must be properly maintained. Earthlinked Technologies strongly recommends annual inspection and preventive maintenance of this system by an EarthLinked trained and authorized technician. This includes EarthLinked compressor unit and all other system components. The technician should ensure that the maintenance program meets the conditions of the Limited Warranty and that efficiency of the equipment is maintained. MG (12/16) 1

2 II. SYSTEM MAINTENANCE The Owner and the Dealer should check and maintain the items in the following schedule: ITEMS TO MAINTAIN Regular care of Hybrid Cooling System Earth Loop Protection system REGULARLY DETAILS OF ACTION Keep the Hybrid Cooling Module free of foliage, grass clippings, leaves, paper and any other material that could restrict the proper air flow in and out of the unit. If the coil becomes excessively dirty, clean it using standard coil cleaning methodology: Turn the main power disconnect switch to OFF and wash the coil with a garden hose and an appropriate coil cleaning solution, spraying water from the top of the unit in a downward direction over the coil surface. Avoid getting water into the fan motor and control box. The EarthLinked System has an Earth Loop Protection System with the control located inside the compressor unit electric box. Regularly check that the EPS light is illuminated in green. If the control emits an audible signal or the LED light is off, the system requires service. Refer to the appropriate Earth Loop Protection System manual for servicing guidelines. Guidelines for servicing: Audible signal: If there is an opening in the earth loop electrical circuit, the audible signal will be heard. After shutting power OFF, all electrical connections from the EPS module to the earth loop system should be checked and adjusted as appropriate to ensure good electrical contact. NOTE: In extremely dry soil conditions (with low conductivity), the EPS system might not close the alarm relay upon initial start-up or after an interruption in power. Resetting the alarm relay can be done by quickly shorting the anode, positive to ground. It may be necessary to strip away part of the anode wire insulation to do so. No lights: verify that 208/230 volt power is available to the EPS power supply. Also check the fuse. Check and replace, as appropriate, the fuse for the EPS Power Supply as shown in Figure 21. For service purposes, a spare fuse has been factory supplied and is located in the electrical box. The replacement fuse is Littlefuse 213 Series Slo- Blo rated at 250 Volts, 2 Amperes, P/N MXP. This is also Allied Electronics Stock Number R If 208/230 volt power is available and the fuse is intact, contact ETI technical support at If it is necessary to operate the heating and cooling system while the EPS is down for service, the EPS power may be temporarily disengaged to eliminate the audible alarm, by removing the EPS/EDM Fuse (refer to appropriate Quick-start manual for drawing of Electric box). Please note this step also de-energize the EDM system. Upon completion of servicing the EPS, replace the fuse to energize the EPS and EDM systems and maintain warranty coverage. EVERY MONTH Air Filters (Air Handlers or Cased Coils) Check with the Owner that he is following the maintenance schedule and guidelines: Disposable air filters: check and replace with the same size filter every month. Cleanable air filters: clean every month, or as described in the filter manufacturer s instructions. MG (12/16) 2

3 EVERY MONTH Water Filtration System Storage Water Heater (Heat Recovery Module, Storage Water Heater or Storage Water Tank)* If the cold water supply has a water filtration system supplying the PSD, PSDH, SD or SDH system, Heat Recovery Module, Storage Water Heater or Storage Water Tank check the water system filter cartridge every month and, as appropriate, renew it by cleaning or replacing the filter cartridge as directed by the water filter manufacturer. Check with the Owner that he is following the maintenance schedule and guidelines or set up monthly visits. Guidelines: Turn OFF electrical power to the system Close the isolation valves on each side of filter and relieve the water pressure at the filter housing Remove the filter bowl and clean or replace the cartridge, per the manufacturer s instructions Replace the filter bowl and gradually open the upstream isolation valve. Check for leaks Purge the system of air, open the downstream isolation valve, restore electric power to the system and operate normally EVERY 6 MONTHS Regular care of Hydronic Water Module The Hydronic Water Module should be checked twice a year, annually at the very least. The technician should test the water flow rate and make sure it did not drop below the appropriate minimum (3 GPM per nominal ton) as outlined in the appropriate Hydronic Water Module manual. If flow rate is less than the appropriate minimum, the heat exchanger is to be cleaned. Sound check of Compressor unit Check the compressor unit for anything appearing or sounding unusual. If so, refer to the appropriate EarthLinked Quick-Start manual to troubleshoot. Condensate drains (Compressor unit and Air Handler/Cased Coil) Annual inspection and preventive maintenance (Entire system) Check with the Owner that he is following the maintenance schedule and guidelines below: 1. For indoor compressor unit installation, check the compressor unit at the back of the cabinet to ensure the condensate pan is collecting and draining condensate that may drip from the refrigerant lines entering the cabinet. See Figure 1 below. 2. Air Handler/Cased Coil: during the cooling season, check the condensate drain pan to ensure that condensate (water condensed on the cooling coil) is flowing freely from the primary drain, but not from the secondary drain as shown in Figure 2. If condensate ever flows from the secondary drain the unit should be shut off and the condensate drains cleaned by an EarthLinked trained and authorized technician to ensure a free flowing primary drain, refer to appropriate Air Handler/Cased Coil manual. EVERY 12 MONTHS Every year, an EarthLinked trained and authorized technician should check the system and ensure the maintenance program meets the conditions of the Limited Warranty and that efficiency of the equipment is maintained. Proceed to a visual inspection of the Air Handler coil / Cased Coil and make sure it is clean. Check the ACC sight glasses to make sure the system is holding its charge. Check the compressor pressures to make sure they are adequate for the location and the application. The Hydronic Water Module and the SCW/SCWD Series compressor units contain a brazed plate heat exchanger that also require yearly preventive maintenance, see page 7. MG (12/16) 3

4 Flushing (Storage Water Heater or Storage Water Tank)* T&P Valve check (Storage Water Heater/ Storage Water Tank)* EVERY 12 MONTHS Check with the Owner that he is following the maintenance schedule and guidelines or set up an annual maintenance visit. Guidelines: Every 12 months the Storage Water Heater/Tank should be flushed of residue as follows: Turn OFF electric power to the system. Close the isolation valves between the compressor unit or module and the Storage Water Heater/Tank. Close the cold water supply isolation valve to the Storage Water Heater/Tank. Open a faucet downstream of the hot water outlet on the Storage Water Heater/Tank. After connecting the Storage Water Heater/Tank drain valve to a drain hose, open the drain valve and drain the entire tank of water to an open drain. Close tank drain valve. Open the cold water supply isolation valve and fill the Storage Water Heater/Tank with clean water until it is approximately 25% full. Turn off the main cold water supply isolation valve, open the Storage Water Heater/Tank drain valve, and observe the water coming out of the drain valve going into the drain. Continue to flush the Storage Water Heater/Tank as noted above until the water coming out the drain valve is clear and free of sediment. Close the drain valve and the faucet. Open the cold water supply isolation valve and fill the Storage Water Heater/Tank and piping system with water. Open the isolation valves between the compressor unit or module and the Storage Water Heater/Tank and purge air from system. Turn ON electric power to the system and initiate normal system operation. Every 12 months the Storage Water Heater/Tank T&P Valve should be checked for proper operation by an EarthLinked trained and authorized technician. Guidelines: Turn OFF electric power to the system. Attach a drain hose to the valve, with water discharge directed to an open drain. Lift the lever at the end of the valve several times. The valve should operate freely and return to its original position properly. If water does not flow out of valve, close cold water supply isolation valve to the system and close isolation valves between compressor unit or module and Storage Water Heater/Tank, and drain tank water level to below the T&P valve. Remove valve and replace with new valve. DO NOT REPAIR AND INSTALL THE FAULTY VALVE. Open the isolation valves between the compressor unit or module and the Storage Water Heater/Tank, and open the cold water supply isolation valve to fill the system. Purge air from system. Turn ON electric power to the system and initiate normal system operation. MG (12/16) 4

5 *Note: regarding Storage Water Heater/Tank, the maintenance applies to installations involving: a. EarthLinked PSD, PSDH, SD and SDH systems installed in conjunction with EarthLinked Series GSTE Storage Water Heaters, or EarthLinked Series GST Storage Water Tanks or Non- ETI electric storage water heaters/tanks. b. Field applied EarthLinked Heat Recovery Modules installed in conjunction with EarthLinked Series GSTE Storage Water Heaters, or EarthLinked Series GST Storage Water Tanks or Non-ETI electric storage water heaters/tanks. Figure 1 Condensate drain pan at the back of Compressor Unit Figure 2 - Condensate drain pan at the Air Handler/Cased Coil Power Failure When accidents, wind storms, etc. disrupt electrical power supply to the house and represent potential damage to the EarthLinked System, turn the thermostat OFF. Turn thermostat ON only after power has been reinstated and after determining that there is no visible damage to the compressor unit or other system components such as the Air Handler / Cased Coil / Hydronic Water Module, Heat Recovery Module, Hybrid Cooling Module, Storage Water Heater etc. Service Clearance 1. For maintenance and service access, be sure to maintain a clearance of 3 feet in front and on top of the compressor unit and a clearance of 1 foot on each side of the compressor unit. MG (12/16) 5

6 2. To ensure access for servicing, a minimum of 30 inches clearance is to be maintained in front of the: Air Handler or Cased Coil Hydronic Water Module Heat Recovery Module Storage Water Heater / Hydronic Buffer Tank Storage Water Tank 3. The minimum clearances that must be maintained should any yard improvements be made around the Hybrid Cooling Module. The requirement is a clearance of 36 inches on top and in the front and 24 inches on all sides and back. 4. The EarthLinked dealer should provide the Owner with a dimensioned plan view of the Earth Loops installed with the EarthLinked Geothermal Renewable Energy System. Any improvements made to the area surrounding this Earth Loop field, must have the following clearance to avoid any impact on the system s performance: 50 feet clearance from any water well, septic system or collection basin of de-icing salts or barnyard runoff One half the branch extremities of a fully grown tree or shrub. For Earth Loop fields with an Earth Loop Protection System, there should be (1) no underground metal (gas or water lines, electric cables etc.) installed within 20 feet of the anode and (2) no underground metal installed between the anode and the Earth Loop field. Freeze Protection If the system is located in an area where freezing temperatures occur during the winter season: 1. The Hydronic system should be freeze protected with an appropriate antifreeze solution. 2. The Heat Recovery Module and associated water lines should be located in an area where the surrounding temperature does not drop below 40 F. If temperature drops below 40 F, the Heat Recovery Module should be relocated (always within 10ft. of Compressor unit). 3. Ensure that the air temperature is maintained at the temperature above 40 F around the Storage Water Heater and associated water piping. MG (12/16) 6

7 Hydronic Water Module - Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger The Hydronic Water Module and the SCW/SCWD Series compressor units contain a brazed plate heat exchanger that requires yearly preventive maintenance performed by an EarthLinked trained and authorized technician. Refer to the appropriate Hydronic Water Module manual for the cleaning and maintenance procedures. The water flow rate designed into each of these heat exchangers is 3 or more gallons per minute (3 GPM) per ton of nominal system capacity. This corresponds to the minimum design flow rate, if the system falls below that, it requires servicing. If it is determined that water side of the brazed plate heat exchanger requires superchlorination flushing, the following authorized procedure is implemented by the authorized service technician: When the water system undergoes a superchlorination or shock chlorination flushing process, the compressor unit or module must be isolated, so that superchlorinated water does not enter the compressor unit or module. Failure to isolate the compressor unit or module will damage the heat exchanger and circulating pump, causing system failure. Allowing highly chlorinated water to enter the compressor unit or module will nullify the EarthLinked Limited Warranty. Prior to conducting the superchlorination procedure, turn OFF the electric power to the system. Close the isolation valves nearest the compressor unit or module. Conduct the superchlorination flushing process on the water system. Completely flush the water system with water that does not exceed the chlorine level consistent with municipal water purification standards. Open the isolation valves nearest the compressor unit or module and purge system of air. Turn ON the electric power to the system and initiate normal operation. III. EARTH LOOP DECOMMISSIONING PROCEDURE If it becomes necessary to decommission one or more earth loop, the procedure is as follows. 1. Isolate the earth loops from the system by closing the two earth loop service valves at the compressor unit, if so equipped. 2. Recover all refrigerant from the system components, consistent with the current local regulations for environmental protection and known to EarthLinked trained and authorized technicians. 3. Cut the appropriate earth loop vapor and liquid tubes approximately 12 inches from the respective vapor and liquid manifolds. Blow the earth loop out with dry nitrogen to expel any residual lubricant. MG (12/16) 7

8 4. If applicable codes for decommissioning do not require the earth loop(s) be filled with grout, go to step 7. If code requirements call for filling the earth loop(s) with grout prior to sealing them, go to step Mix one of the following grouts for injection into the earth loop to be decommissioned. The grout mix must be consistent with local code requirements. a. Neat Cement Grout - This mixture is comprised of the following: 94 pounds of Portland cement Not more than 6 US gallons of water Up to 5% of bentonite may be used (4.7 pounds per 94 pounds of cement) b. Cement-Sand Grout - This mixture is comprised of the following: 94 pounds of Portland cement Not more than 6 US gallons of water Not more than 1.0 cu.ft. of washed, dry sand c. Bentonite Grout - This mixture is comprised of the following: 50 pounds of bentonite 34 gallons of water Up to 50 pounds of washed, dry sand may be added 6. Pump the grout mixture into the subject earth loop, ensuring that it has filled the vapor and liquid tubes of the earth loop. 7. Pinch off the filled vapor and liquid tubes, braze each tube shut, and cover with native earthen fill. 8. Document the decommissioning action, consistent with appropriate local codes and regulations. MG (12/16) 8