Features and Benefits

The geothermal heat pump system consists of:

• a water-source heat pump;
• a closed loop ground heat exchanger made of high density polyethylene pipe (guaranteed 25 years or more by many manufacturers); and
• a low wattage circulating pump(s).

In the heating mode, the closed loop heat exchanger absorbs heat from the earth (typically 50 F to 70 F) and transfers the heat to the refrigerant via the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. The compressor concentrates the heat absorbed by the refrigerant before it flows to a coil in the supply airstream. The coil heats the air moving across it, and thus heats the house. An antifreeze solution may be added to the ground-loop heat exchanger to prevent system freeze-up when heat pump leaving water temperatures drop below the freezing point of water, 32 F.

In the cooling mode, the heat pump extracts heat and moisture from the air and rejects the heat into the refrigerant. The heat is transferred to the fluid in the ground loop system via the heat exchanger. The ground then absorbs the heat from the ground loop.

As an additional benefit of the system, in the cooling mode unwanted heat can be captured by a desuperheater and used to produce virtually free domestic hot water. The desuperheater can also be used to greatly reduce the cost of producing hot water in the heating mode by reducing the hot water heater's run time.

Trane's high efficiency residential water-source heat pumps offer EERs up to 20. Moderate earth temperatures translate into the highest comfort levels in cooling from increased dehumidification and higher supply air temperatures in heating.

Another benefit is that the system requires no defrost cycle and little to no supplemental heat.

The GSHC unit is located entirely within the home, much like a refrigerator. By avoiding outside weather extremes, the unit's life span is expanded. Field refrigerant connections, and an outdoor air conditioning unit are no longer needed.

The unit is compact enough to be installed just about anywhere: placed in an attic, basement, or in a closet.

Dependable Design

Cabinet

The cabinet is constructed of heavy gauge galvanized steel. In addition, the cabinet has a electrostatic powder-paint coating for a longer lasting and corrosion resistant finish.

Sound

These units operate quietly, with noise ratings of NC 40-45 in typical installations. All units have a thermal/acoustical insulated partition between the blower and compressor compartments to attenuate any compressor noise.

Fan motors and compressors are internally isolated to reduce vibration. Compressor base plate and full-length channel stiffeners also help reduce vibration. The ICM-2 variable-speed blower motor, with a soft start at 50 percent capacity, helps reduce start-up noise and enhance comfort.

Compressor

A high efficiency scroll compressor helps assure quiet, reliable, and efficient operation.

Condensate Pan

Each unit has a removable, cleanable condensate pan to improve indoor air quality. This condensate pan allows any condensate from the coil to drain freely, discouraging condensate buildup and microbial growth in the pan.

Filter Rack and Filter

Each unit is equipped with an accessible filter rack, which houses 1-inch standard sized, disposable, fiberglass filter.

Filter Drier

This unit has a filter drier to dehydrate and clean the refrigerant circuit, adding to the life of the unit.

Desuperheater and Pump

The factory installed, internal, double-wall vented desuperheater uses heat rejected from the unit to preheat a home's domestic hot water.

Hot water is provided at virtually no cost to the user during cooling operation, and very efficiently during heating operation, by reducing the amount of time the hot water heater runs.

The desuperheater is controlled by two temperature control sensors. One sensor monitors the temperature of the compressor's discharge line. The desuperheater pump cannot operate until the compressor line reaches 145F. The other sensor monitors the water temperature of the hot water heater. The desuperheater will automatically shut off if the water reaches 125F. This is done to prevent scalding and damage to the pump from overheating.

Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger

The stainless steel brazed plate water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger has a low-hydronic pressure drop and it has a high corrosion resistance because of its stainless steel construction.

The brazed plate heat exchanger provides a larger amount of surface area for heat exchange between the water and the refrigerant than traditional tube-in-tube heat exchanger designs, which increases unit efficiency.

Tubing

All low-side tubing in the refrigeration circuit is insulated to prevent condensation inside the unit.

Expansion Valve

All units are equipped with a balanced port, bi-directional thermal expansion valve. The valve precisely meters the refrigerant flow through the circuit.

With only a single expansion valve and no check valves are required on the unit.

Safety

The GSHC was designed with safety and maximum protection in mind. High- and low-pressure cutouts are included to protect the compressor. A freezestat is included to protect the unit from unusually cold fluid-flow and low fluid-flow conditions. The lockout relay is designed to turn off the compressor, loop pump, and the desuperheater pump if a problem is detected.

Duct Collar

A return-air duct collar is provided with each unit to provide an adequate connection for duct work, while maintaining access to air filters. Using the collar, duct work can be easily fastened to the unit, eliminating the need for extra sheet metal work.

In many applications, when the duct work is insulated, the performance of the unit is enhanced.

Blower

Each unit is equipped with a multi-speed direct drive blower (PSC) or an ICM-2 blower motor with soft start.

The PSC blower motor offers the flexibility of changing the speed of the blower to adapt to various duct designs.

The ICM-2 blower motor offers increased efficiency, better humidity control, higher air temperatures in heating, and reduced noise.

Brass Swivel Fittings

Each unit includes 1-inch brass swivel connectors, eliminating the need for a backup wrench when tightening the water connections.

Each brass swivel fitting has a 1-inch gasket for the connector. The gaskets are shipped in the electrical compartment to prevent loss.

Access Panels

The unit has three removable access panels for access to internal components. The majority of the unit's components may be readily reached through the three access panels.

As part of its continuous product improvement, The Trane Company reserves the right to change specifications and design without notice. Read important energy cost and efficiency information available from your dealer.