WorldWide Drilling Resource

Groundwater Industry Weighs in on GHP Practices Adapted from a Press Release by the National Ground Water Association The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recently released its newest guidelines Understanding Hydrogeology and Its Impact on Large-Scale Geothermal Heat Pump Systems . Edited by industry experts Nina Baird, Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, and John Rhyner, PG, P.W. Grosser Consulting Inc., these guidelines bridge the gap between existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) literature and geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry training, to provide a useful ongoing reference for those involved in planning or site assessment for a large-scale GHP project. As two of the least understood topics of GHP installation, site geology and groundwater hydrogeology strongly influence the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a system, which is why many have been eager for the release of this book. NGWA has prepared the guidelines to support instal- lation and ongoing operation of high-performance GHP systems with a focus on protecting groundwater and the optimal performance of the wellfield. Design and installation of a large- scale GHP system requires a wide range of expertise to evaluate underlying geology, climate, meteorology, hydrogeology, drilling conditions, building loads, and the ongoing thermal interdependence which will affect the ground heat exchanger (GHX) and building systems simultaneously. Topics covered in the book address: © Fundamentals of large-scale sys- tems © Site and hydrogeologic consider- ations © Site constraints © Site assessment and ground cou- pling options © Drilling © Regulations and requirements © Common causes of GHP shortfalls © Characteristics of a successful GHP product © Professional qualifications for GHP system design and installation Anyone who is considering, or in- volved in the installation of large-scale GHP systems, including owners, planners, architects, engineers, drilling contractors, mechanical contractors, government rep- resentatives, and educators, will benefit from this text. Todd Giddings, Ph.D., president of Todd Giddings & Associates Inc. in State College, Pennsylvania said, “These guide- lines present an approach to site assess- ment to help ensure the installation of an effective and long-term GHX installation that meets regulatory requirements, has an acceptable financial rate of return, prevents groundwater contamination, protects drink- ing water sources and public health, and protects the owners’ investment.” 73 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2015 “Leap, and the net will appear.” John Burroughs