Description
This 50WCE018 is a nominal 1.5-ton vertical water source heat pump (WSHP) built for zone-level heating and cooling using a building water loop or geothermal source. In plain terms: it moves heat to or from the water loop instead of relying on outdoor air, which is why WSHPs are common in condos, offices, and mixed-use buildings where each space needs independent comfort. The refrigerant circuit uses R-454B, a lower-GWP refrigerant category used to meet current regulatory directions.
This configuration is a right-return, top-discharge layout with side filter access and front-left water connections, which matters when you’re matching an existing closet/mechanical chase footprint. It includes a coated air coil option to help protect the air coil in harsher airstream environments, plus a cupronickel coaxial water heat exchanger selection aimed at higher corrosion resistance in tougher water conditions. It also includes an A2L leak detection package, along with a sound/IAQ-focused build that pairs a compressor blanket with closed-cell foam insulation.
For performance context, published AHRI/ANSI 13256-1 ratings (with standard test assumptions) list this size in the ECM category at 18,200 BTU/h cooling and 21,800 BTU/h heating at water-loop rated conditions, with airflow and loop flow shown in the rating table. In the real world, final delivered capacity and sound depend on entering water temperature, airflow setting/static pressure, and filtration strategy. Operating limits and minimum water flow requirements should be verified against your loop design before ordering.
Key Features
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Vertical right-return, top-discharge layout: built to align with vertical mechanical closets where return placement matters for duct routing and service access.
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Constant torque ECM blower platform: ECM motor option designed to handle rising static pressure while maintaining motor torque behavior for more predictable airflow delivery.
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R-454B refrigerant circuit with metering control: uses a TXV-style metering approach and includes integral service pressure ports for diagnostics-friendly access.
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Stainless steel drain pan with overflow protection: corrosion-resistant pan design paired with a condensate overflow sensor that can shut the unit down on abnormal water level.
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Coated air coil option (selected): additional air coil protection option intended to reduce corrosion risk in the airstream.
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Cupronickel coaxial water heat exchanger (selected): corrosion-focused heat exchanger choice for more demanding water quality applications.
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Sound/IAQ package + A2L leak detection (selected): compressor blanket plus closed-cell foam for sound attenuation, plus leak detection for code- or policy-driven A2L safety requirements.
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