Is there a high capacity 'smart pump'?

[Medman]

For you industry pros:

I have to repair or replace the main circ on my system - a Taco 1400-10 that has a leak at the housing seal. Is there a 'smart' alternative (eg Grundfos Alpha or Bumblebee) in a high capacity pump?

 

[velvetfoot]

i was just going to ask the same thing, only for a smaller system!

 

[maple1]

What does this pump do, exactly?

I have a 40kw boiler & 660 gallons of storage - a Grundfos 15-58 three speed handles that fine on low.

On the distribution side, I have 4 baseboard zones and 1 DHW zone - an Alpha handles that fine on low dP setting.

Just wondering if you really need a big pump?

 

[velvetfoot]

I don't have a horse in this race, I think, but here are the pump curves for the Taco and my Vario and an Auto and the Grundfos. The Taco definititely is most capable.

 

[Medman]

What does this pump do, exactly?

I have a 40kw boiler & 660 gallons of storage - a Grundfos 15-58 three speed handles that fine on low.

On the distribution side, I have 4 baseboard zones and 1 DHW zone - an Alpha handles that fine on low dP setting.

Just wondering if you really need a big pump?

I am moving water from my shop where boiler and storage are located to my house, 140 ft apart. This was the pump recommended by the dealer for the loop, - which includes 280 ft of pex and all of the fittings etc -. in order to move the BTU's required. I am thinking I need to go back and look at all of the calculations to see if a smaller circ will work; however, this pump has easily maintained a delta t of 20* on the worst days of winter - even worse than design days.
I will dig out the calcs and post the numbers here - that should help with the decision. I seem to recall that head was calculated at close to 20 ft, and at the time the 1400 series was the economical choice for the installation.

 

[maple1]

Ah OK - you very well might need that big pump then.

 

[velvetfoot]

Hey, check this out!
http://bellgossett.com/pumps-circulators/large-wet-rotor/ecocirc-xl/


Features
Control Modes
Proportional Pressure curve (Δp-v)
Constant Pressure curve (Δp-c)
Constant Speed curve
Automatic Night Set Back
Temperature Control Modes
T-Constant Control ΔT-Constant Control Δp-T (Paired with proportional or constant pressure mode)
Δp-ΔT (Paired with proportional or constant pressure mode)
Readings and settings on the pump
Control and display panel
Operating status
Warning and alarm
Errors and work log history
Dry running detection
Input/Output
2 x analog inputs (0-10V / 4-20mA)
1 x external temperature sensor input
1 x start/stop input
1 x status output
Communication and monitoring
Communication with BMS
Communication with PC/Laptop
Wireless module for short range wireless communication (optional)

Communicates Clearly
A simplified, user-friendly status display keeps the
installer informed on pump settings and performance. Communicate with Modbus and BACnet systems, or
use wireless connectivity to communicate with the
pump for remote control from your smart phone or
wireless enabled device.

 

[kuribo]

I wonder does it have reverse acting capability with the temperature set point mode??? I have a call in to check this....

 

[Medman]

Any idea on price? I can't find this for sale online.

 

[heaterman]

What is the btu load?
What is the system DeltaT?
What is the piping head at required flow rate?

Answer those and you can pinpoint the circ you need to get the job done.

With any given pipe or tube size, there is a direct correlation between flow rate, head and deltaT.
Raise the DeltaT and you can lower the flow rate which in turn also reduces the piping head.

 

[kuribo]

I called about the eco circ to see if it has reverse acting capability and got the same answer I got a year ago from Taco about their bumblebee: "we are working on it...."

 

[webie]

If it gets right down to the real world . I have all 3 of the most common eco pumps ,bumble bee , alpha , and the vario . The vario definitely wins the battle in output cababilities and is now my main pump . If at all you can make it work and are replaceing a pump, the new ecm pumps are worth it . My electric bill has dropped between 10 - 15 bucks amonth by using ecm pumps , and that has been now for three consecutive months .

 

[velvetfoot]

As an aside, I recall reading that the reason for the funky shape of the big(ger) Ecocirc is to keep the electronics away from condensation when pump is used for chilled water.