WaterFurnace International, Inc., the leading manufacturer of geothermal and water source heat pumps, introduces a waterside economizer option to its commercial product line. Available on 2-6 ton horizontal and vertical Versatec Base, Versatec Ultra Envision2 Compact and 7-25 ton horizontal and vertical Envision XL products, this new option allows the use of a building’s interior loop water to provide “free” cooling.

The waterside economizer works by passing air through an internal coil cooled by loop water rather than by mechanical refrigeration. The unit contains a water-to-air heat exchanger, a three-way valve and controls that manage the flow of water through the heat exchanger. When cooling is required and the building loop water temperature is below the economizer setpoint, which is typically 45° F, water passes through the economizer. Air is drawn through the cool economizer and the heat pump’s compressor is turned off. Cooling is then provided by the economizer, reducing energy use. Compressor life is extended as a result of reduced run hours and less cycling.

“Depending on design conditions, economizers can provide up to 100 percent of cooling load requirements in a building,” said Tim Litton, director of marketing communications, WaterFurnace International, Inc. “This makes cooling much more energy efficient and translates to significant energy savings for the building owner.”

Because they are not directly subject to outdoor air conditions, waterside economizers provide longer operating hours and better humidity control than airside economizers. They also have fewer mechanical components and are less prone to failure.

Water source heat pumps that use the waterside economizer option can be operated in a standalone configuration or via network DDC control.

To learn more about WaterFurnace, visit www.waterfurnace.com.