GHP System Engineering - Stimulating the “Engine” in Engineering
Applying recognized engineering principles to outside the box thinking will result in better GHP system performance. Controlling the design and construction of the borehole impact heat transfer. The loop well field is designed based upon the yearly total of heating and cooling, not thermal conductivity. How efficiently equipment transfers the heat to the circulating water does not alter the loop well field. If a gain in efficiency is based upon a higher operating circulating water temperature, then the loop well field should be increased or baseline temperature water added to the GHP system (engineering). The “engine” is the mind of the engineer and groundwater professionals should engage in educating the engineering community, as well as themselves on how to positively impact GHP system performance to ensure a robust industry and satisfied consumers.
NL Pitz Inc., Batavia, IL