Achieving an optimal ground source energy design requires an effective, flexible and client-centred process. It is very important that we learn about the overall project and understand the general context to facilitate the integration of an effective ground source energy system.
The first step is to determine if a practical system is feasible for the application process or site you are considering.
The Feasibility stage includes the evaluation of the following:
Energy modelling – how much heating or cooling is required based on the daily, seasonal, and annual cycles of the building (number of people, hours of operation, type of lighting, windows, etc.)
Mechanical system requirements
Geology of the site
Overall construction cost
Return on investment and long-term cost savings
If the Feasibility stage determines that the project is economically viable, then we need to verify that the site is acceptable for a ground-coupled heat exchanger, and in what configuration.
We may conduct a Thermal Conductivity (TC) Test depending on the project requirements. This involves:
Drilling a test bore hole or excavating a test pit to determine the thermal properties of the local geology
Determining how much land area is needed and what type of ground-coupled heat exchanger is best suited
If the project is feasible and the geology has been confirmed, we can start on the design of the system. The design process entails:
Collaborating with all stakeholders (owners, architects, engineers, developers, etc.)
Determining the appropriate ground loop configuration
Designing the ground-coupled heat exchanger
Keeping within the site and budget requirements
Once the design is complete, we work with installers and construction team to build the ground source energy system for your building. The implementation stage involves:
Installation coordination with all trades
System construction within the given schedule
Quality control – site inspections, performance testing and verification process
Commissioning – Review installed system in detail to ensure the operation of the equipment is consistent with the design intent and is performing as expected.
Once the building is commissioned, it is important that the system is monitored over the coming months and years to ensure it operates as intended.
Review the energy load profile to ensure it is consistent with the original energy model and related assumptions.
Observe operations of major mechanical equipment to ensure it is efficient and operating as per design sequence.
Collect operating data (I.e. flow rates and temperatures) from the ground loop to confirm it is performing as designed.
Adjust operating setpoints as needed to create a balanced long term operating profile.
