The 2022 IGSHPA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 6 to 8 was a great success!
The partnership with NGWA (National Ground Water Association) provided attendees with even more exhibits to visit and gave NGWA attendees the opportunity to attend IGSHPA workshops, as well as discuss geothermal opportunities with exhibitors in the IGSHPA pavilion. This was the 2nd annual conference of the new independent IGSHPA organization.
Below are links to the presentations from the conference.
Research Track Proceedings
IGSHPA Keynote
Keynote Speech: The Case for Geothermal — Dano Weisbord, Tufts University
Abstract: The keynote will focus on institutional decision-making, and the ways in which Smith College combined its mission and financial/technical goals to make a business case for GSHX system. Decision making and key drivers will be discussed to highlight the “why” of this ground-breaking decision.
General Session Presentations
IGSHPA Leadership Address — Jeff Hammond, IGSHPA Executive Director
Abstract: The Leadership address was an update on the organization over the past year and plans for 2023.
How Can Our Industry Best Utilize the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act Provisions? — Dan Ellis, Comfortworks
Abstract: The recently enacted U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376) contains multiple provisions affecting the geothermal heat pump industry. Now that the bill has become law, there are months of work ahead for the U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and other agencies to implement the various programs, credits, rebates, and deductions. There are numerous implementation questions still outstanding that GeoExchange has been working on. The speaker will provide guidance based upon experience that can help members better understand how to utilize these opportunities to grow their businesses and ultimately the GSHP industry.
Residential Track Presentations
Water Side Problem Solving — Tom Wyer, Geo-Flo Corporation
Abstract: Installing contractors, service technicians, and system designers commonly face problems with the water side of geothermal systems such as low flow rates, insufficient freeze protection, and unknown loop details on jobs they inherit. This session will focus on core concepts that will allow you to better understand the water side of geothermal systems which will help you to troubleshoot and retrofit existing systems. The format will feature live problem solving using free online tools to teach you to answer questions such as “my flow rate is too low; will adding a second pump achieve my required flow rate?”, “I’m replacing a heat pump with one that has a higher head loss; will my current flow center work?”, and “my antifreeze level is too low; how much more do I add?”.
Resiliency Inherent In District GSHP systems — Greg Wolfson, EcoSmart Solution
Abstract: Climate change has significantly increased the frequency and magnitude of severe environmental events like fires, tropical storms, flooding and polar vortexes. These severe weather conditions often materially degrade the operational performance of renewable energy systems. In contrast, geothermal exchange systems supporting GSHPs by their subterranean design are protected from harsh environmental conditions. One such system installed at Whisper Valley in Austin Texas withstood the 100 year polar vortex, URI, in 2021. This presentation will explore the attributes of district GSHP systems that enable a broad spectrum of severe weather resiliency and the empirical performance of the EcoSmart GeoGrid during that extreme weather event in February of 2021.
A New Era in Direct Exchange Geothermal: Advancements, Advantages, and Common Myths — Bill Buschur, Total Green Manufacturing
Abstract: This seminar will cover the most recent advancements to direct geothermal exchange (DGX) technology. Learn about the many design and installation advantages that this 70 plus year old geothermal technology has to offer including how it can reduce drilling cost, along with a brief history of the technology. It will address common myths and concerns of the past and present that surround DGX technology. Learn how recent advancements in the technology have overcome many challenges of the past.
A2L Refrigerant Adoption and Industry Mandates — Bob Brown, WaterFurnace International
Abstract: In this session, you will learn about the new federal regulations that go into effect on January 1st 2024. We will discuss the A2L refrigerant classification and help you understand why & how HFC refrigerants are being phased out. We will cover the key transition dates for new refrigerants and identify which new refrigerants will emerge in heat pumps. Lastly, this session will cover upcoming changes to HVAC product safety standards.
Variable Speed Geothermal and the Path to Beneficial Electrification — Shawn Hern, ClimateMaster
Abstract: Variable speed geothermal heat pumps play a vital role in the nation’s beneficial electrification initiative. The product’s load matching capability and high efficiency, even at the lowest outdoor temperatures, lowers the overall peak demand to the electrical grid, helping to reduce the need for additional generation infrastructure. As a developer and patent co-holder for the ClimateMaster Trilogy Series, Engineering Director for New Product Development Shawn Hern is uniquely qualified to describe the combination of the variable speed compressor, variable airflow, and variable water flow that results in overall system efficiency. The presenter will also explore the remote diagnostics and adjustment capabilities of these variable speed communicating systems and how they contribute to the beneficial electrification and decarbonization goals.
Inside Piping Materials and New Alternatives — Lance MacNevin, Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI)
Abstract: This presentation will include best practices for inside piping, including piping materials and what to avoid to ensure a successful installation and happy long-term customers.
Hootsuite Tutorial & Social Media Best Practices — Carley Fletcher, Enertech Global; Kari Rau, Colorado Geothermal; and Sally Stephens, IGSHPA
Abstract: Carley, Kari, and Sally will discuss the most effective means for engaging with social media, including tools like Hootsuite that can post to multiple platforms. As the consumption of social media and the views about content, length of posts, and writing style continue to evolve, experience with this medium can help maximize your social media efforts and advertising budget.
The Future of HVAC: The Geothermal Perspective — Pete Prydybasz, B.J. Terroni
Abstract: This presentation will focus on selling geothermal systems, pointing out the value proposition of geothermal systems (“pay now or pay later”), and will discuss the “Five Steps Towards a Good Install”. The speaker’s decades of experience selling geothermal systems will help attendees have a better understanding of how to approach potential customers, showcasing the inherent benefits of geothermal systems, addressing decarbonization, electrification, and sustainability.
Designing Radiant Floor Systems Using Heat Pumps…Lessons Learned — Jim Cusack, Enertech Global
Abstract: The proper design of radiant floor systems using heat pumps differs from the typical design of boilers. Topics discussed will include the importance of room-by-room load calculations, tube spacing and proper insulation. We will discuss the performance of heat pumps under varying conditions. Control strategy options and deciding which control strategy would be best for the job will be addressed. Setting customer expectations and also discussing liability of the installing contractor to meet the consumer’s expectations are important topics. Proper sizing of pumps, buffer tanks, and hydronic fan coils will be included, followed by a discussion how high temperature single pipe baseboard radiators are typically a bad idea and why. Low temperature radiant panels will be shown as an alternative to high temperature applications.
Utility Loop Ownership: Capturing the Earth’s Solar Energy for Utility Margins — Boyd Lee, CKenergy
Abstract: CKenergy’s utility loop ownership experience takes the guesswork out of the positive financial benefits of being willing to “work outside of the box” to provide co-op members with savings, and the utility with increased profit margins. CKenergy has nine years of success with this innovative program that reduces peak demand, while increasing off-peak kWh and saving homeowners 40-70% over conventional electric systems and 30-50% over natural gas systems. The co-op provides cash incentives, installs the loop, retains asset ownership, and applies a monthly user fee as part of the monthly meter charge, creating a win-win solution for all involved. Boyd Lee will provide an overview of CKenergy’s success with utility loop ownership that can be replicated throughout North America to change the way we look at heating and cooling homes and commercial buildings in the future.
ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 Updates for 2023 Edition — Jeff Hammond, IGSHPA / CSA TC423 Chair
Abstract: Consistency of design and installation is extremely important to the growth of the industry. One of the best methods for providing consistency is the use of a standard throughout North America. ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 has been in use in Canada since 1992 and has been a bi-national (U.S./Canada) standard since 2016. The new update being published in 2023 includes additions/changes/updates suggested by the IGSHPA Standards Committee, as well as a lot of new content. Some of the additions include Energy Foundation/Piles, Waste Water Energy Transfer (also called Sewer Waste Heat Recovery), District Geothermal Systems, new piping materials, and updates to heat transfer fluids. The IGSHPA 2017 Standards will be sunset when this new edition is published. It is important for industry stakeholders to be familiar with C448. This standard can easily be adopted by local jurisdictions for geothermal systems throughout North America.
Commercial Track Presentations
A2L Refrigerant Adoption and Industry Mandates — Bob Brown, WaterFurnace International
Abstract: In this session, you will learn about the new federal regulations that go into effect on January 1st 2024. We will discuss the A2L refrigerant classification and help you understand why & how HFC refrigerants are being phased out. We will cover the key transition dates for new refrigerants and identify which new refrigerants will emerge in heat pumps. Lastly, this session will cover upcoming changes to HVAC product safety standards.
The Importance of Treating Ground Loop Fluid for Long-term Reliability — Dan Slater, Fernox
Abstract: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for heating and cooling buildings. To protect the long-term investment of the system, and ensure low maintenance of the heat pumps and pumps/circulators, the loop fluid must be treated with the proper inhibitors, even if the system does not need antifreeze. This presentation will provide practical guidelines for ensuring that the loop fluid will not cause premature corrosion, scaling, and ultimately heat pump and pump/circulator failures.
Community Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment — Arlene Anderson, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO)
Abstract: The U.S Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), on behalf of the Geothermal Technologies Office, issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled, “Community Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment”. While geothermal district heating and cooling systems are more common outside the United States, an increasing number are under development domestically. These systems leverage commercially available geothermal direct use and geothermal heat pump components as well as new materials and systems. In addition to reviewing the FOA goals and phases, the roles of target applicants that are anticipated to form Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment coalitions will be discussed.
The Value of the Institutional Market & Why It Should be a Target Market — Jack DiEnna, GEO-NII
Abstract: Geothermal technology is finally being recognized as a valued asset by the Federal market because of the modification of the definition of renewable energy to include thermal energy and changing the verbiage from generated to produced. This along with the “Climate Change” narrative should have opened the flood gates for this technology but we are still having to fight the lack of awareness for not only the technology but more importantly the benefits that these systems bring to the table. This session will point out the magnitude of the institutional market and the steps that can and should be taken by the various members of our industry to promote the adoption of GHPs. I will show how this initiative will not only increase awareness of this technology but also support greater adoption by the residential sector, The session will also touch on subliminal marketing and marketing to the various Federal clients. The session will address the marketing tactics that can be adopted to capture clients and the need to document the success of the project and the technology.
Elimination of Water Consumption in Data Centers — Jay Egg, Egg Geothermal
Abstract: With the growth of our digital age, and the migration of data centers away from city centers, hyperscale data centers are being constructed in areas where land is less expensive, and renewable energy is potentially more abundant and locally sourced. A hyperscale data center rated at 100 megawatts may consume a million gallons of fresh water each day through its cooling tower operations. This presents an incredible opportunity to employ geothermal exchange, eliminating the cooling towers, recovering the heat, and saving precious fresh water.
Strategies for Reducing Commercial Geothermal First Cost — Ian Goicochea, ClimateMaster
Abstract: Even with current utility rebates and federal tax incentives, it is important to optimize commercial geothermal mechanical systems to increase the adoption of these technologies. In this seminar, we will look at the implementation of strategies including Hybrid Geothermal Systems and Single Pipe WSHP Systems to decrease the total first cost of Geothermal WSHP systems.
Delivering a Geo Solution in Dense Urban Areas — Tony Amis, Endurant Energy
Abstract: Geo Solutions are limited in dense urban areas especially where the building footprint extends across the entire site. Installing geo loops into the very buildings foundations connected to a GSHP can deliver a significant amount of base heating and cooling load and be combined with ASHP to deliver remaining heating and cooling. This presentation will discuss how energy foundations were successfully used on a commercial building as part of delivering an all electric building in lower Manhattan New York and provide some lessons learned and guidance on future projects.
Using Diverse Energy Sources with GSHX — Josh Hays, Salas O’Brien
Abstract: Drilling closed loop vertical bores for a geothermal heat exchanger is costly and typically requires large space requirements. Pairing geo heat exchange designs with other energy sources – including waste-water heat exchange systems, air-source heat pumps, surface water heat exchange and conventional assets – can help reduce geothermal space requirements and overall system costs, as well as present options to maximize system COP based on dispatch strategy. This presentation will cover the diverse energy sources that have been successfully implemented alongside geothermal heat exchange systems.
Optimization of Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger Design — Norbert Pepka, Affiliated Engineers
Abstract: A key element of a successful ground source heat pump (GSHP) installation is a well-designed ground heat exchanger (GHX). Many times, rules of thumb or common mechanical design standards are applied uniformly across various design scenarios for both residential and commercial system. This may result in inefficient design and overall poor GHX performance. There are many parameters that affect a successful design. In a design phase of a vertical ground heat exchanger much importance is given to the vertical borehole itself and most of the time the lateral piping design is overlooked. This approach may compromise the energy efficiency and performance of the whole GSHP system especially with long lateral piping runs. Therefore, various aspects of a GHX design are discussed including bore hole spacing, bore diameter, bore depth, pipe size and material, number of circuits (U-bends), short circuiting due to various pipe lengths, together with best practices related to lateral piping being an integral part of a successful GSHP design and installation.
Best Practices for Configuring Ground Source Heat Pumps for Net Zero Energy Buildings — Albert Wallace, Energy Environmental Corp
Abstract: Truly sustainable commercial buildings reduce the energy use and carbon footprint for heating and cooling which represents 40% of the total energy use in the United States. In the past 10 years, substantial progress has been made to configure GSHPs appropriately with high mass hydronic cooling and heating systems to achieve net zero performance in dozens of commercial buildings. While traditional energy efficiency metrics focus on the coefficient of performance (COP) of a particular appliance, these net zero energy buildings have proven that the configuration and control of the installed systems has a far greater impact on overall building performance than heat pump COP. Specifying high mass building structures, separating heating and cooling from ventilation, configuring water-to-water heat pumps to double their COP, and using advanced controls based on historical and real time climate data are critical elements to achieve net zero performance. This presentation discloses the best practices to achieve these performance goals using a proven architecture implemented in the past several years in a number of large commercial installations. The presenter is an expert in these technologies with certifications as a CGD, CEM, LEED AP, and is an ASHRAE member with professional degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. He has been awarded five U.S. patents for these net zero energy technologies.
GEO Exchange Potential for Industrial Electrification — Andy LaFerriere & Marrissa Dunning, Salas O’Brien
Abstract: The effectiveness of geo exchange technology has been established at scales ranging from single family houses to corporate and university campuses as large as 8 million square feet, and settings as varied at rural greenfields and urban substructures, integrated within highrise tower structural piles. This session reveals the versatility of geo exchange strategies applied to functionally intensive industrial facility electrification projects. Case studies include an auto manufacturer’s 6 million GSF research and development facilities and a 2.2 million square foot production campus of a Fortune 100 household consumer chemicals company.
ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 Updates for 2023 Edition — Jeff Hammond, IGSHPA / CSA TC423 Chair
Abstract: Consistency of design and installation is extremely important to the growth of the industry. One of the best methods for providing consistency is the use of a standard throughout North America. ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 has been in use in Canada since 1992 and has been a bi-national (U.S./Canada) standard since 2016. The new update being published in 2023 includes additions/changes/updates suggested by the IGSHPA Standards Committee, as well as a lot of new content. Some of the additions include Energy Foundation/Piles, Waste Water Energy Transfer (also called Sewer Waste Heat Recovery), District Geothermal Systems, new piping materials, and updates to heat transfer fluids. The IGSHPA 2017 Standards will be sunset when this new edition is published. It is important for industry stakeholders to be familiar with C448. This standard can easily be adopted by local jurisdictions for geothermal systems throughout North America.
Loop Installer Track Presentations
Creating Expectations & Goals Program for New Hires & Generation Z — Brock Yordy, The Driller
Abstract: In this one-hour session, Brock will discuss a simple way to create goals and expectations for new hires, specifically generation Z. We will start by building an outline of expectations for employment. Next, we will drill deep into what essential goals are required for creating a meaningful, productive long-term employee. Finally, we will discuss and build a review process that starts after the first week of employment, meets again in 30 days, then in six months, and finally at the end of the year. The session aims to create obtainable milestones for the employee and build a productive long-term team player for the employer.
Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Systems — Lance MacNevin, Plastic PIpe Institute (PPI)
Abstract: The piping material is critical to the overall success of the ground-coupled heat exchanger piping system (i.e., the ground loop). It must provide corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, impact resistance, resistance to slow crack growth, long-term hydrostatic strength (pressure capability), and temperature resistance. In addition, the ground loop heat exchanger material must provide suitable heat transfer capabilities. This course explains the four types of plastic piping materials used for ground source geothermal systems, and how these materials can be used to construct reliable ground loop piping systems. Detailed explanations of the capabilities of these materials will be provided, including reference to ASTM and CSA piping standards and material specifications. The typical applications of each of these materials will be described. The sustainability benefits of plastic piping systems will also be discussed.
Flushing/Purging Commercial Systems — Russell Burras & Casey Skelton, PurgeRite
Abstract: This presentation will address the key considerations to ensure a successful commercial geothermal flush. It will provide best practices for planning, equipment design, implementation, and documentation that can ensure a successful flush. Field experiences will also be shared, and participants should walk away with practical information that will be applicable to their next project.
Importing Drilling Innovation from Sweden — Kathleen Hannun & Ryan Malleta, Dandelion Energy
Abstract: In Sweden, residential geothermal drillers complete an entire project in each 7-4pm workday. The estimated cost of installing loops for a typical home is somewhere in the $3,000 range. When we first learned about this, we didn’t believe it: it sounded way too good to be true. So we went to Sweden. And we were astonished to find it is real. How do the Swedes drill geothermal so efficiently? And how can we bring their equipment and methods to the US to expand our geothermal drilling capacity in this country? These are the questions and goals we’ve been focused on since our fateful visit to Sweden in the summer of 2021. In the time since, we’ve purchased the equipment the Swedes used, hired Swedish drillers to coach us, and starting implementing the Swedish model in NY and CT. While we aren’t yet nearly as good as the Swedes, the results so far have been very encouraging. In this presentation, our goal will be to illustrate what the Swedes do, and then describe ourselves as a case study, and report back on the impact that implementing the Swedish method has had on our throughput and costs. The Swedish method is not proprietary – anyone can do it. We are hopeful if we can spread the word about this, more people will start using this approach, and there will be more drilling capacity for geothermal in the US.
Recruiting, Hiring, Training, and Retaining the Next Generation of Drillers — Brock Yordy, The Driller
Abstract: A one-hour discussion on recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining new hires. The class will discuss the history of the workforce in the drilling industry. Recruiting tactics, hiring expectations, onboarding, and leading the next generation.
Avoiding Mayhem with Commercial Start-ups — Jeff Persons, Geo Source One
Abstract: The speaker has written several articles for publication in the Water Well Journal. His topic for the conference is from a WWJ article that deals with commercial geothermal installations and debris left in the building side of systems that unfortunately gets attributed to the loop contractor.
HDPE Pipe Integrity at Depth, Vertical Closed Loop Ground Heat Exchangers — Terry Proffer, Major Geothermal
Abstract: The need for deeper vertical bores often leads to questions of loop integrity for both burst and collapse concerns. Yet experience has determined deeper boreholes (400’ to 700’+) are in fact compatible with current grades of HDPE pipe. Misinterpretation of the ASTM (D 2837) pressure ratings is the key reason for HDPE integrity concerns for deeper bore installations. This presentation will cite anecdotal deep loop installations (400’ +); review how pressure ratings are determined for different grades and schedules of HDPE pipe; how these ratings do not consider the downhole environment and conditions for closed loop vertical bores; describe pressure conditions both external and internal to deeper HDPE pipe installations; and conclude why HDPE pipe in deeper bores is acceptable.
Importance of Selecting the Right Thermally Enhanced Grout — Tyler Harbeck, GeoPro, Inc.
Abstract: The presentation will briefly define why to grout, how to grout, and the criteria of a high quality grouting product. It will provide insight into the different types of geothermal grouting products available and the important characteristics of each that impact system design/performance. Design scenarios will be used to provide an in-depth look at how density, material cost, and thermal conductivity all impact the “arbitrary” selection of grout in geothermal system design. The presentation will close with a summary using finite element analysis to compare the impact that thermal enhanced grout has on bore resistance in single, double, and quadruple u-bend configurations.
Angled Drilling — Stan Reitsma, Geosource
Abstract: Angled drilling for installation of geothermal systems can enable the installation of significant geothermal capacity in a small surface area, an area as much as an order of magnitude smaller than would be required for vertical heat exchangers only. This makes the use of angled drilling particularly applicable to retrofit of buildings in areas of higher infrastructure density, with placement of geothermal infrastructure to avoid building structures, green space/landscaping, and other near surface or surface infrastructure. In some cases angled holes are used to reduce overall construction cost or improve construction schedule. Examples of completed and future geothermal systems using angled holes are presented to show the flexibility that angled geothermal heat exchanger solutions provides. Some design considerations are provided such as how to spread out boreholes effectively and when to consider using angled holes. The presentation will also discuss how to accurately position rigs and why that is important. A discussion on analysis of angled geothermal heat exchangers and how these fields behave will also be provided which ties into the discussion related to ongoing research and development.
Job Site Coordination for Successful Ground Loop Heat Exchanger Installations — Steve McGowan & Jeff Corey, Ground Loop Solutions
Abstract: There are several things to take into consideration when installing a ground loop heat exchange whether it is a residential or commercial application, as the two are very different from each other. Based upon the presenter’s experience and “lessons learned”, this presentation will focus on the importance of planning for the many aspects involved in drilling, trenching, flushing/purging, hydrostatic pressure testing, creating an accurate site survey, and coordinating the various aspects of the installation from start to finish.