EcoRenovator - View Single Post - Multi-compressor heat pump.

Vlad · 07-30-17, 02:35 PM

Having 4 compressors in DIY setup is a recipe for disaster. Too many things to consider, to much plumbing.... solenoid valves, controls, etc.

How about having 4 small compressors 4 small condensers and one 4x times evaporator coil splited to have 4 independent circuits. It is like having 4 separate units working as needed all together or one by one.

4 small systems is cheap to build with off shelf parts and they will work predictably and reliably.

Going with "4 stage" system you will fight capacity change which is determined by compressor size, but whole system must be balanced in order to work reliable. One of the biggest issues is TXV or whatever other magic metering device you are going to use. It must cover whole capacity range. Piping can be a trouble because of oil return etc.

Multi stage systems even in commercial world with huge budgets are always a challenge. I am not saying DIY is impossible, it is, but at what price and time?

07-30-17, 02:35 PM	#15
Vlad Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Windsor ON Canada Posts: 229 Thanks: 4 Thanked 30 Times in 22 Posts	Having 4 compressors in DIY setup is a recipe for disaster. Too many things to consider, to much plumbing.... solenoid valves, controls, etc. How about having 4 small compressors 4 small condensers and one 4x times evaporator coil splited to have 4 independent circuits. It is like having 4 separate units working as needed all together or one by one. 4 small systems is cheap to build with off shelf parts and they will work predictably and reliably. Going with "4 stage" system you will fight capacity change which is determined by compressor size, but whole system must be balanced in order to work reliable. One of the biggest issues is TXV or whatever other magic metering device you are going to use. It must cover whole capacity range. Piping can be a trouble because of oil return etc. Multi stage systems even in commercial world with huge budgets are always a challenge. I am not saying DIY is impossible, it is, but at what price and time? Last edited by Vlad; 07-30-17 at 09:36 PM..