Ground Source Heat Pumps

CappacinoGirl

Lovesgshp, does the simulator exe mean that I can put in settings and see how they affect the system before doing it live? If so I would like a copy please.

Everyone: I have checked the two sites mentioned for information now that ICE Energy is in administration. I had my heat pump fitted in 2009 and it has so far worked well apart from one minor incident. Previously ICE have sent people from Yorkshire and Cheshire whilst I live on the Fylde coast about 30 minutes above Blackpool by car so a long way away. What kind of skill set should I look for to undertake any future maintenance/repairs? I doubt Worcester would help given the age of my installation. Thanks for your help. I've two left hands so not a DIYer.

Anne

lovesgshp

CappacinoGirl wrote: »

Lovesgshp, does the simulator exe mean that I can put in settings and see how they affect the system before doing it live? If so I would like a copy please.
No problem, just PM me with a email address and will send it to you. As the file is a .exe then Gmail will reject it. Also it is a Windows file, so will not work on a Apple system.
Yes, you can play around with settings.

Everyone: I have checked the two sites mentioned for information now that ICE Energy is in administration. I had my heat pump fitted in 2009 and it has so far worked well apart from one minor incident. Previously ICE have sent people from Yorkshire and Cheshire whilst I live on the Fylde coast about 30 minutes above Blackpool by car so a long way away. What kind of skill set should I look for to undertake any future maintenance/repairs? I doubt Worcester would help given the age of my installation. Thanks for your help. I've two left hands so not a DIYer.

Anne

There is very little you need to do regarding maintenance. Just check the filters, once a year now. Check for alarms and make sure the expansion bottle has fluid in it.
We are always here to help at the moment, so don't worry.

DeeWestern

lovesgshp wrote: »

Leave on start with compressor and change the internal pump to speed 2. The Grundfoss (external) leave on 3 for the moment.

OK, I did that and also checked out the filter as requested by lovesgshp.

I'd checked the filter for the first time a year or so ago, and it was really clean. It seemed OK again today:


but I did notice when you look at it head on the mesh isn't well made - but I can't think this would cause an issue as water doesn't go through this bit?


This is the filter I was checking:


Bit of a disaster as I put it back together, as the circlip sprang away and was lost in the back of the pump. I just screwed it back together without as it still seemed to be watertight and the filter hasn't really blocked any crud in years - am I ok to run the machine without this circlip at all, or can it be replaced in a few months / never? Do you know what size I need to order?

First time I turned it back on, the heat pump switched off after a couple of minutes with error High Pressure Switch. I reset the system, turned it away from 2 and then back to speed 2 just in case it hadn't quite clicked. Next time it ran it was fine, other than the usual High HTF Delta alarm going after a few minutes.


Not sure if you guys have any more suggestions. If it's the sensors that are screwed, is it easy to replace? Am I right in thinking they are just taped on (i.e. is this a temp sensor under the foam):



Thanks as ever guys for your help

lovesgshp

You do need to replace the circlip, as this stops the filter from moving. You now run the risk of the filter jamming the next time you try to open it and the complete valve needing replacement.When you open the valve for cleaning, this moves the filter from vertical to a horizontal position, therefore the bottom of the filter should always be kept clean.
There is a possibility it is a sensor problem, but they are very easy to change yourself.

DeeWestern

Thanks, do you have any idea of the size I need to order?

Is the fact the bottom of the valve has not got a regular mesh pattern potentially a problem? Where can I get a replacement?

The GT8/9 delta is sounding the alarms - was one of these readings out of what you'd expect (and therefore which sensor do you think might be broken?)

Is it worth running it without the filter at all for a day to see if the alarms continue?

lovesgshp

I do not know the size offhand, but you should be able to get one from a local motor spares outlet. Had a client here with a problem who had closed the valve with the circlip not seated and bent it out of shape.
With regards to the filter, then that is a integral part of the valve and the whole unit has to be replaced, around £100.
To find out if it is a faulty sensor you need to check the resistance value on page 68 of the manual. Sensors here are about Euro 30 each.

DeeWestern

Could the poor mesh on the filter be the reason for the alarm? It's slightly blocked, but not super major. (Or are they all looking like this?) Is it able to run for any time without the filter to test? I have ordered replacement circlips (300!) so keep your fingers crossed I can replace tomorrow

Where would I get a new unit from, and is there a chance they would replace the part FOC when they see the poor manufacture quality?

Presumably I need to remove the sensors to test them, and to get them in a place of known temperature. Is this easy to do, are they just taped somewhere? Are all the sensors identical - and if so can I just swap 2 with GT8 and GT9 and see if the alarm changes codes?

lovesgshp

That filter needs to be fully cleaned so that there is no flow restriction. You can get a new unit from a Worcester Bosch dealer. You could try without it, but you may need to adjust pump speeds as the filter does increase resistance to the flow.
Just unplug the sensors from the panel and use the meter to check them at whatever the ambient temperature. No need to remove them completely

DeeWestern

Thanks, but to clarify- the filter mesh is not fully perforated at the bottom rounded end, as shown in the second picture above. This isn't crud, this is just metal - it just hasn't been cut out in the same way as the rest of the filter.

Does everyone's look like this, or was mine made wrongly? Do you think the blockages shown above could be significant to cause the issue?

As for the sensors, I don't have a multimeter to hand so was hoping I could just swap them over with another 2 to try to eliminate what isn't broken! Are all the sensors identical, and are there some which are accessible? Are they just effectively taped to the side of the pipes with plastic (like in the bottom photo) and am I ok just to unpeel it?

lovesgshp

The filters have the longest area folded over the base so that is normal.Is it possible to push a needle through the holes in the base?
With the sensors, just check the resistance at normal room temperature.