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Our beloved blog was hacked and we’re doing some damage control. In the meantime all the old methods of contacting us still work: Shine Energy Systems Inc. 4943 Uplands Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 6M8 250-377-1216 chris@shine-energy.com
Are their any advantages in reducing water pressure on an open loop geothermal system that is supplied by a domestic well which runs a typical 40 to 60 psi ? Other than potentially reducing water flow noise will it help efficiency or reduce system wear ? Any advise would be greatly appreciated .
Thank you
This is a common problem and different issues can arise from different plumbing setups. I don’t know yours, but can point out some issues. Firstly, the geo doesn’t care at all about pressure. It is your domestic system that is requiring this. So now how to you direct the flow to your heat pumps? How does the well know how to shut off? Most valves have a hard time with a 60psi differential (enough torque that is) unless you get in to some speciality valves (ie expensive). So it can be beneficial to put in a pressure reducing valve leading to the heat pumps to allow one to use standard valves to be able to shut and domestic pressure to build and the well to shut off. I just finished fixing a well-system that ran 24/7 as pressure never built as the valves couldn’t close.
It is also beneficial to put flow restrictors on the lines to the heat pumps to ensure only the water required is going to them and one isn’t necessarily wasting water. And when you add flow restrictors, you need to add shut-off valves as one needs to be able to play with the water flow to reduce noise that a flow restrictor can create.
So, reduced pressure indirectly helps the overall system. But unless you water is sandy or such, it really shouldn’t matter what the flow pressures are like.
Another noise issue can be if the discharge column of water is draining and you end up with air in your piping every time the system shuts off. A pressure holding foot valve is beneficial here.