HYDROGEOLOGIC GUIDELINES FOR LARGE SCALE GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS

Lack of adequate hydrogeologic investigation is presenting major challenges for some recent large scale geothermal heat pump systems and surrounding groundwater.

In response, the National Ground Water Association is developing guidance to help the HVAC system designer understand and use hydrogeologic information to prepare project specifications and achieve optimal system performance.

The National Ground Water Association has long been an advocate for the sound application of ground-source heat pump technology and has developed guidelines for the proper construction of closed loop heat pump systems, as well as advocated to Congress on behalf of more widespread national utilization of the technology. The Association recently compiled a database of state regulatory oversight of GSHP installations.