Dual Stage compresser making odd sound?
Last Post 03 Mar 2015 06:22 AM by joe.ami. 6 Replies.
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RichardPUser is Offline
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23 Feb 2015 12:01 PM
I have a WF installed in the spring of 2002.
Since then the original compressor has been replaced with a two stage unit. (in 2011).
Last Thursday the pex piping (since replaced with copper) leaving the DSP unit split, and flooded the system.
The Intellizone panel was located just under the system, and understandable fried.

The original installer is out of business, but I was lucky to find another company who installs, and repairs WF in my area.
A technician has done a temporary by pass of the Intellizone while a new one is shipped in.
I notice now that there seems to be a new sound coming from the unit.
The sound is like a growling - rough bearings and is most noticeable when the fan is not blowing and seems to come on when the demand is low.
For example if the the temperature is equal to the demand temp, the sound starts, but if the demand is greater (i.e. demand is 2 degrees more than actual) no sound.
My theory is that it might be an issue with the first stage on the compressor?  But not sure.
To avoid this, I have set up "big swings" in temperature, and turned of the Desup unit for now, to avoid stage one of the compressor.
Does this make sense? 
Thank you.

RichardPUser is Offline
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27 Feb 2015 01:47 PM
Wow!
55 views an no comments, this tells me I am missing something needed here.
I can't post a recording of the sound, and even if I could, not sure that would help.
So I will close the sound issue for now - the tech who came yesterday to install the new Intellizone board didn't seem to think it was any different than any he has heard elsewhere. So maybe it is just my wife and I hearing things.
New question though.
With the installation of the new board it seems that if the demand changes (ie. the compressor is running in phase 1 and the demand increases, or running in 2 and decreases) that the system shuts down for a few moments and then restarts at the new speed.
To me this seems counter intuitive. I thought the whole idea with a multistage compressor was to allow the compressor to move from low to high demand (and back) situations without starting and stopping. Isn't this the idea behind upstaging?
Could I get some insight on this, or is there information that I should provide.
Thank you.

acwizardUser is Offline
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28 Feb 2015 03:02 PM
Without knowing what compressor is in your unit. Almost all 2 speed compressors must stop and restart when shifting between speeds.
Palace GeothermalUser is Offline
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28 Feb 2015 03:19 PM
most geothermal Heat Pumps shift on the fly. No stopping and starting needed. you might try posting here: https://www.geoexchange.org/forum/ a lot more action going on ever there.
Dewayne Dean

<br>www.PalaceGeothermal.com<br>Why settle for 90% when you can have 400%<br>We heat and cool with dirt!<br>visit- http://welserver.com/WEL0114/- to see my system
joe.amiUser is Offline
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01 Mar 2015 09:00 AM
Many of the Ultratech (Copeland scroll 2 stage) compressors do make a different and sometimes louder grumble in first stage. The fan also drops to about 75% of the CFM employed in second so there is not as much cover noise.

The Ultratechs are made to switch on the fly. It is likely that there is a setting on the intellizone board that is not correct.
Joe Hardin
www.amicontracting.com
We Dig Comfort!
www.doityourselfgeothermal.com
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RichardPUser is Offline
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01 Mar 2015 11:34 AM
Thank you all. I looked and cannot find the model of the compressor anywhere. The best I could find is a logo looks like two C's one inside the other. The same as the logo on this link: http://www.spectrumgeothermal.com/images/stories/Components/4compressor.jpg Edit- I looked up Copland Scroll compressors, and that is the same logo. Not sure if that will be helpful in determining if the compressor can upstage, and downstage cleanly. Joe.Ami, would a photo of the intellizone, or the position of the dip switchs be helpful? Thank you.
joe.amiUser is Offline
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03 Mar 2015 06:22 AM
You'd have to go through the manual on your intellizone. I don't work with them regularly so a picture would do me little good.
Joe Hardin
www.amicontracting.com
We Dig Comfort!
www.doityourselfgeothermal.com
Dig Your Own Comfort!
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