Instruction Manual

59
Freezing Water in the Heat Exchanger
This product contains one or more
refrigerant-to-water heat exchangers. A
refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger contains
refrigerant in one passage and water in
another passage. Water is subject to freezing
at 32°F. When water freezes in a heat
exchanger significant forces are exerted on
the components of the heat exchanger where
the water is confined.
Failure of the condenser due to freezing will
allow water to enter the refrigerant circuit
and will cause extensive damage to the
refrigerant circuit components. Any damage
to the equipment as a result of water
freezing in the condenser is excluded from
coverage under AAON warranties and the
heat exchanger manufacturer warranties.
Unit is capable of operating with Entering
Water Temperatures (EWT) as low as 57°F,
during the cooling mode, without the need
for head pressure control. If the EWT is
expected to be lower than 57°F or a more
stable operation is desired, a factory
provided head pressure control water valve
option is available.
Glycol solution should be used if ambient
temperatures are expected to fall below
freezing or if the loop entering water
temperature to the unit is below 50°F while
operating in the heating mode (heat pump
units only). Adding glycol to condenser water
causes an increase in pressure drop and also
results in a decrease in unit performance. A
minimum concentration of 20% glycol
solution is recommended.
Table 17 - Glycol Freezing Points
% Glycol
Ethylene
Glycol
Propylene
Glycol
20
18°F
19°F
30
7°F
9°F
40
-7°F
-6°F
50
-28°F
-27°F
Water loop piping runs through unheated
areas or outside the building should be
insulated.
Water Piping
Installing contractor must ensure a
differential pressure switch or water flow
switch is installed between the condenser
water supply and return connections. This
sensor provides a signal to the unit
controller that water flow is present in the
refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger and the
Cleaning the cooling tower or
condenser water loop with harsh
chemicals such as hydrochloric acid
(muriatic acid), chlorine or other
chlorides, can damage the
refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger.
Care should be taken to avoid
allowing chemicals to enter the
refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger.
See Appendix A - Heat Exchanger
Corrosion Resistance for more
information.
CAUTION
WATER FREEZING
Failure of the condenser due to
freezing will allow water to enter the
refrigerant circuit and will cause
extensive damage to the refrigerant
circuit components. Any damage to
the equipment as a result of water
freezing in the condenser is excluded
from coverage under AAON
warranties and the heat exchanger
manufacturer warranties.
WARNING