A commercial well is affected by groundwater flow, which can minimize the system’s overall power, including the well, loop and heat pumps.
The goal of a commercial well is to maximize “peak block load.” This offers the best flow for the most common water temperatures (between 50 and 70 degrees), which needs to be between 1.25 and 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute) for every ton of optimal block load. All of this comes down to the total pump head — which is why a commercial well’s pump level is so important.
The best pumps for these systems are submersible. It’s a common myth that pumping a well causes poorer lower groundwater performance. That’s why so many commercial wells feature closed-loop systems, which actually aren’t as effective.
In many cases, a submersible pump in groundwater systems performs much better than ground-coupled options like the closed-loop one so many commercial clients have. No matter which system you have, a plate heat exchanger is often used to keep the heat pump separated from groundwater.
No Love for GWHP
The average groundwater heat pump (GWHP) has been accused of hogging pumping energy. This can certainly happen when you have 1) a subpar heat pump, 2) one that isn’t maintained, or 3) a pump that isn’t well controlled.
Still, this myth lingers from decades ago when systems weren’t nearly as state-of-the-art as they are today. Commercial GWHP systems feature a higher pump efficiency and much lower flow requirements today. Even better, the pump head is minimized, compared to your standard residential systems.
Put together, all of the factors cause lower unit pumping energy requirements, compared to what most people believe.
Sometimes, groundwater systems can dish up better system performance, compared to ground-coupled varieties. What’s key for efficiency is the well pump, building loop pump and heat pump. Your well technician should prioritize maintenance of these pumps and perhaps upgrade them — especially with a commercial well.
Well Pump Heads
Within a GWHP system, the well pump head is critical. It has three primary parts: the surface requirements, injection head and lift. With water wells, getting rid of water regularly causes a drop in the water from the non-pumping to the pumping level. This leads to a decrease in necessary pressure that makes the water flow through the aquifer to the well.
Wells might look like relatively simple constructions at first glance, but each and every part is critical for energy efficiency, healthy water with a good flow, and cost management.
For all your commercial well needs, depend on a professional. In Utah, Mike Zimmerman Well Services is your go-to source for commercial and residential wells alike.
