Water Source Heat Pump - preheater

JBW_2

Hello All,

I was wondering if there are any manufacturers out there who make a water source heat pump where you can pass potable water directly through the condenser for preheating . I have done my research, and I know that Water Furnace has a de-superheater and that there is a company called TurboTech that makes the 'Enviro-Pak', but these are all indirect (or secondary) exchangers. My goal would be to use the condenser to preheat my domestic hot water. I was thinking of using a Carrier 50RVR. Has anyone ever done this before? Is the water cooled condenser approved for potable water??

Thanks,

Josh

Henry_6

Heat pump

Hi Josh:
You could have an air to water heat pump which heats a mass tank if you have a large area which is too warm(commercial kitchen or laundry room) You would need to have a high limit on the tank set to 110-115f and have the system either shut down or dump the heat to prevent damage to the refrigeration system. There are many ways to recycle energy that are used in Europe, but we are now just starting to realize that it makes sense to recover heat instead of using cooling towers.

JBW_2

Henry,

Thanks for the reply. I am starting to realise what the constraints are after some net-based research and your reply. Basically you are limited to whatever size tank you are using.
Once your volume of water has reached max. allowable water in temp for your heat pump, you're dumping water down the drain.
Geothermal is too expensive for me right now, so I'm back to air-to-air heat pump with a de-superheater like the Enviro-Pak. Do you have any experience with a de-superheater like the Enviro-Pak. Good product? Do you have any other de-superheaters to recommend?

Josh