Applications Manual Bosch Geothermal Heat Pumps
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Bosch Thermotechnology Corp.
Data subject to change
16.4 Bosch Geothermal Water-to-Water Heat
Pumps and Fan Coil Units/Air Handlers
Bosch water-to-water geothermal heat pumps can also be
used with a fan coil(s) (air handler) to heat or cool air in
a structure if designed for lower water/ uid temperatures
(Fig. 120).
Fan coil units (or air handlers) consist of a hot water
coil and/or chilled water coil (usually copper tubing with
aluminum ns) and a blower to move air over the coil. The
term “fan coil unit” typically applies to smaller units, which
are installed in the zone or area where the heating or
cooling is needed. The term “air handler” normally refers
to larger units. Fan coils are available in many different
con gurations, sizes and capacities from a number of
manufacturers, and many are designed to be connected
to ductwork. Fan coil units can also be used to replace a
forced air furnace in certain situations.
Many fan coil units are designed for use without ductwork.
These units are typically mounted in a suspended ceiling
space (typically commercial applications) or on a wall.
Fig. 120
Fan coils and air handlers typically have one or two coils
and a blower. Air is heated by hot water circulated through
a hot water coil. Chilled water is circulated through the
coil if cooling is needed. Depending upon the application,
the unit will include one coil for both heating and cooling
(hot water/chilled water) or a coil dedicated to heating
(hot water) and another coil for cooling (chilled water).
Blowers can be provided to t different applications, with
or without ductwork.
Fan coil units have been used to heat homes using
water temperatures as low as 90°F to 100°F. Heating
capacities typically decline when operated below
design temperatures. Therefore, two coils are typically
recommended if the fan coil unit is to be used for forced
air space heating. One coil will be used for heating and
another coil for cooling. Fan coil size must always be
considered as the heating and cooling coils could be very
different in physical size. Proper fan coil selection often
involves selecting a larger model with multiple fan speeds
in order to satisfy the capacity requirements without
providing too much air ow. Always follow manufacturers’
criteria when selecting fan coils.