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GeoExchange (Ground Source Heat Pump)
IGSHPA Certification School

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Sound Geothermal (435-722-5877), in association with The Utah State Energy Office, will host a three-day GeoExchange installer certification course in Salt Lake City, March 19 through 21, 2003.  This Wednesday through Friday course will provide the required manuals, instruction and examination for installer certification by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association.  Pipe fusion accreditation will also be provided for both butt and socket fusion techniques, and stab-fittings.

The standard, proven IGSHPA syllabus will be followed, and is not product specific. Information will be provided for harsh heating and cooling climate conditions, inconsistent geologic environment and other variables characteristic of the Rocky Mountain region, and how to address these impacts for competent, economic GeoExchange installations.  Closed loop design requirements for both residential and commercial applications will be reviewed.  Attention will also be given to commercial design parameters, peripheral considerations, radiant/hydronic applications, thermal conductivity testing considerations, quality control of loop installations and related issues.

The Western U.S. is a growing market for GeoExchange system installations, both residential and commercial.  Examples of installations are found throughout the area.

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Who Should Attend

Heating / Cooling Contractors – This course brings together the non-traditional aspects of GeoExchange including the requirements for a competent ground heat exchanger, what to consider when planning an installation, minimum standards, quality control checks, trouble shooting, pipe fusion, etc.  Upon successful completion of the examination, the student is certified by IGSHPA as a GeoExchange installer.

Drilling and Excavation Contractors – By understanding the requirements of a GeoExchange system, and acquiring IGSHPA certification, drilling and excavation trades are exposed to a completely new market for their services.  As more architects, engineers, and inspection agencies become more familiar with geoexchange quality control standards, IGSHPA certification will be the minimum qualification allowed to quote loop installation services.

Architects, Professional Engineers – GeoExchange system installation, installation cost and operation can be optimized when the structure and internal mechanical system of a building is designed with a GeoExchange system in mind.  The IGSHPA curriculum presented by Sound Geothermal will provide the proper background for addressing loop design considerations, locating and optimization of ground loop field placement, minimum installation standards, judging retrofit potential to existing structures and other issues.  In addition, with a thorough background of minimum installation standards, engineers can outline minimum installer profiles for the mechanical and ground loop portion of their system design, protecting their system design and their client.

Utility Personnel – By understanding how a GeoExchange system operates and the importance of a quality installation to professional standards, utility personnel can better serve their customer base and management when questions or decisions concerning this technology demand technical input.  Should your utility be considering activation of a promotional program to motivate GeoExchange installations in your service area, it is imperative to understand sound installation fundamentals to set minimum installation standards for incentive qualifications.

General Contractors, Residential & Commercial – Commercial GC’s dealing with large Geoexchange systems need to be aware of planning and installation issues almost as much as mechanical contractors and loop installers to assure smooth, efficient installations. By understanding the procedures involved with evaluating, planning and installing a system, coordination and quality control issues are more easily and efficiently dealt with if the GC is aware of the fundamentals of Geoexchange. Builders that actively work with and encourage GeoExchange installations set themselves apart from their competition.

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About the Instructors

Dr. Charles Remund. Dr. Remund received his undergraduate and masters degrees in Agricultural Engineering from South Dakota State University, and his Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1988. He has been on the Mechanical Engineering faculty at South Dakota State University since 1988, where he teaches thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, design of thermal systems and applied laboratory courses. Dr. Remund has been principle investigator on many research projects associated with ground source heat pumps, specifically addressing heat transfer characteristics of grouting materials, soil and rock. He worked with regional electric utilities and the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium through the Northern Geothermal Support Center at SDSU, through which well over 600 people have been trained in various aspects of ground source heat pump design and installation. Training and outreach activities continue in a limited capacity at SDSU, while Dr. Remund has become involved in private efforts to promote ground source heat pumps through design assistance, soil and rock formation thermal conductivity testing, and technical support for thermally-enhanced grouting materials.

Cary Smith, president of Sound Geothermal, is a certified IGSHPA trainer and a Certified GeoExchange Designer (CGD) by the Association of Energy Engineers.  Cary is also a certified GeoMERIT consultant.  The GeoMERIT program is maintained by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium (GHPC) to identify qualified loop design, system evaluation and training professionals for ground source heat pump applications and support.  Cary has instructed numerous mechanical contractors, drillers, architects and engineers with their first GSHP projects.  Cary’s experience with design and hands-on installation ranges from small residential applications to commercial projects exceeding 600 tons.  Sound Geothermal provides heat load, loop design, economic evaluations, consulting and thermal conductivity testing services, as well as various brands of GSHP products and accessories.  Marc Eckels, a key partner in Sound Geothermal, will provide additional training expertise during key portions of the course.

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