Residential Track

8:00am      In’s & Out’s of Geothermal

Speaker:          Robert “Keith” Kelley, Advantage Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Abstract:         The key to a long life of a geothermal system is regular service and correct water flow and temperature. A
service agreement is a must for the savy geothermal customer. Without regular maintenance the loop water may get low on pressure, thereby causing other issues, such as a burnt out pump, unit tripping on head pressure (cooling mode) or other issues. One of the main issues some service companies have is the customers simply don’t know who to call to work on their geo system, as not every HVAC company does this type of work. Social media advertisement is now a MUST for the HVAC company wanting to expand or invest in geothermal systems work. Networking between other HVAC companies is helpful, as one company can recommend another if they don’t do geothermal work, but they can tell the customer, “We don’t work on Geothermal systems but I can recommend a good company that does.” Name recognition is a MUST as well as a good working relationship with other HVAC companies can only help the HVAC business as a whole.

9:00am     Resiliency Inherent In District GSHP systems

Speaker:         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.

10:00am   Break (through 10:15am)

10:15am  Water Side Problem Solving

Speaker:         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?”.

11:15am   A2L Refrigerant Adoption and Industry Mandates

Speaker:         To be announced

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.

12:15pm   On your own for lunch (until 1:15pm)

1:15pm     Variable Speed Geothermal and the Path to Beneficial Electrification

Speaker:         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.

2:15pm     Inside Piping

Speaker:         To be announced

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.

3:15pm     Break (through 3:30pm)

3:30pm     Conference Welcome and IGSHPA Leadership Address

4:00pm     IGSHPA Annual General Meeting of Members

4:30pm     Keynote Speech: The Case for Geothermal

Speaker:         Dano Weisbord, Smith College

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.

5:30pm     Welcome Party with NGWA (through 7:45pm)

 Commercial Track

8:00am      A2L Refrigerant Adoption and Industry Mandates

Speaker:          To be announced

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.

9:00am     Ground heat exchanger monitoring and thermal imbalance prevention

Speaker:         Connor Dacquay, GeoFease

Abstract:         This presentation includes a novel approach to preventing ground heat exchanger failure from thermal imbalance by using an energy meter that dynamically calculates future ground heat exchanger temperature based on the live monitored building energy loads. In this study, an energy meter was installed on the ground heat exchanger of an office building and software was used on a remote server that collected the measured data. The future ground heat exchanger temperature was dynamically calculated, and the energy meter was integrated with the building automation system to prevent future ground source heat pump system failure. The results showed that the building was cooling dominate and if the current mechanical system operation continued, the system would become inefficient in 16 years from high inlet temperatures to the heat pumps. A control sequence was developed for mitigating ground heat exchanger failure on the studied building. The approach used in this study is critical for maintaining an efficient ground source heat pump system and adequate ground heat exchanger temperatures. The outcome of this study provides a solution for ensuring successful adoption of ground source heat pump technology on a large scale and eliminates ground source heat pump system failure due to thermal imbalance.

10:00am    Break (through 10:15am)

10:15am    Community Geothermal Heating and Cooling Design and Deployment

Speaker:          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.

11:15am    Panel Discussion: Lessons Learned on Large Commercial and District Systems

Speaker:          Panelists and moderator are still being finalized.

Abstract:          Abstract is being finalized.

12:15pm    On your own for lunch (until 1:15pm)

1:15pm      The Value of the Institutional Market & why it should be a target market

Speaker:          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.

2:15pm      Elimination of Water Consumption in Data Centers

Speaker:          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.

3:15pm     Break (through 3:30pm)

3:30pm     Conference Welcome and IGSHPA Leadership Address

4:00pm     IGSHPA Annual General Meeting of Members

4:30pm     Keynote Speech: The Case for Geothermal

Speaker:         Dano Weisbord, Smith College

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.

5:30pm      Welcome Party with NGWA (through 7:45pm)

 Loop Installer Track

8:00am      Creating Expectations & Goals Program for New Hires & Generation Z

Speaker:          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.

9:00am      Plastic Piping Materials for Ground Source Geothermal Systems

Speaker:          Lance MacNevin, Plastics 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.

10:00am    Break (through 10:15am)

10:15am    Flushing/Purging Commercial Systems

Speaker:          Russell Buras, PurgeRite

Abstract:         This abstract is being finalized.

11:15am    Importing drilling innovation from Sweden

Speaker:          Kathleen Hannun, 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.

12:15pm    On your own for lunch (until 1:15pm)

1:15pm      Recruiting, Hiring Training, and Retaining the Next Generation of Drillers

Speaker:          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.

2:15pm      Avoiding Mayhem with Commercial Start-ups

Speaker:          Jeff Persons, Geo Source One

Abstract:          I have written several articles for publication in the Water Well Journal. My topic 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.

3:15pm      Break (through 3:30pm)

3:30pm      Conference Welcome and IGSHPA Leadership Address

4:00pm      IGSHPA Annual General Meeting of Members

4:30pm      Keynote Speech: The Case for Geothermal

Speaker:          Dano Weisbord, Smith College

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.

5:30pm     Welcome Party with NGWA (through 7:45pm)

 Research Track

The research track is in the works and will be published soon.

 Residential Track

8:00am      OEM Panel Discussion

Panelists:        Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Jeff Hammond, IGSHPA)

Abstract:         This panel is an opportunity to provide updates to members on the latest news from the industry’s geothermal heat pump manufacturers. There will be time for questions and answers and discussions on the future of the industry.

9:00am      Round Table Discussion: Open Forum for “Connecting the Dots” between contractors, engineers, loop installers, drillers, and other industry stakeholders — Meeting the Challenges for Industry Growth

Panelists:        Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Kortney Lull, Midwest Geothermal / IGSHPA Board of Directors Chair)

Abstract:        It is important for stakeholders in the industry to connect to address the challenges of industry growth. This panel of experts will be available to help strategize with IGSHPA members and other stakeholders on how best to work together to build the needed infrastructure.

10:00am    Morning Break at the IGSHPA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall (through 10:30am)

10:00am    Exhibit Hall Opens

10:30am    Time to Walk the Exhibit Hall (through Noon)

12:00pm    Industry Panel Discussion with Lunch, Courtesy of Grundfos

Panelists:         Panelists and Moderator are still being finalized

Abstract:         Grundfos is interested in learning what IGSHPA members need to make installation of geothermal easier, more profitable, and how Grundfos can help grow the industry.

1:00pm     Time to Walk the Exhibit Hall (through 1:30pm)

1:30pm     Panel Discussion: The JUICE Team

Panelists:       Members of the JUICE (Joint Utility Initiative for Cooperative Engagement) Team (ClimateMaster, Enertech, WaterFurnace, and GEO) — Moderator: Ryan Dougherty, Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO)

Abstract:        This team of GEO members will discuss their outreach efforts to re-engage with rural electric co-ops and and other utility initiatives.

2:30pm      Panel Discussion: Utility Engagement

Panelists:        Panelists and Moderator are still being finalized

Abstract:         Panelists will discuss success stories, where the geo industry is engaged in utility programs, as well as how to engage your local utility

3:30pm     Break at the IGSHPA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall (through 4:00pm)

4:00pm     Hootsuite Tutorial & Social Media Best Practices

Speakers:       Speakers to be announced

Abstract:        This abstract is still being finalized.

 Commercial Track

8:00am      OEM Panel Discussion

Panelists:        Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Jeff Hammond, IGSHPA)

Abstract:         This panel is an opportunity to provide updates to members on the latest news from the industry’s geothermal heat pump manufacturers. There will be time for questions and answers and discussions on the future of the industry.

9:00am      Round Table Discussion: Open Forum for “Connecting the Dots” between contractors, engineers, loop installers, drillers, and other industry stakeholders — Meeting the Challenges for Industry Growth

Panelists:        Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Kortney Lull, Midwest Geothermal / IGSHPA Board of Directors Chair)

Abstract:         It is important for stakeholders in the industry to connect to address the challenges of industry growth. This panel of experts will be available to help strategize with IGSHPA members and other stakeholders on how best to work together to build the needed infrastructure.

10:00am   Morning Break at the IGSHPA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall (through 10:30am)

10:00am   Exhibit Hall Opens

10:30am   Time to Walk the Exhibit Hall (through Noon)

12:00pm   Industry Panel Discussion with Lunch, Courtesy of Grundfos

Panelists:       Panelists and Moderator are still being finalized

Abstract:         Grundfos is interested in learning what IGSHPA members need to make installation of geothermal easier, more profitable, and how Grundfos can help grow the industry.

1:00pm     Time to Walk the Exhibit Hall (through 1:30pm)

1:30pm     Strategies for Reducing Commercial Geothermal First Cost

Speaker:         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.

2:30pm     Delivering a Geo Solution in Dense Urban Areas

Speaker:        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.

3:30pm     Break at the IGSHPA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall (through 4:00pm)

4:00pm     Using Diverse Energy Sources with GSHX

Speaker:         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.

 Loop Installer Track

8:00am      OEM Panel Discussion

Panelists:        Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Jeff Hammond, IGSHPA)

Abstract:         This panel is an opportunity to provide updates to members on the latest news from the industry’s geothermal heat pump manufacturers. There will be time for questions and answers and discussions on the future of the industry.

9:00am      Round Table Discussion: Open Forum for “Connecting the Dots” between contractors, engineers, loop installers, drillers, and other industry stakeholders — Meeting the Challenges for Industry Growth

Panelists:        Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Kortney Lull, Midwest Geothermal / IGSHPA Board of Directors Chair)

Abstract:         It is important for stakeholders in the industry to connect to address the challenges of industry growth. This panel of experts will be available to help strategize with IGSHPA members and other stakeholders on how best to work together to build the needed infrastructure.

10:00am    Morning Break at the IGSHPA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall (through 10:30am)

10:00am    Exhibit Hall Opens

10:30am    Time to Walk the Exhibit Hall (through Noon)

12:00pm    Industry Panel Discussion with Lunch, Courtesy of Grundfos

Panelists:         Panelists and Moderator are still being finalized

Abstract:          Grundfos is interested in learning what IGSHPA members need to make installation of geothermal easier, more profitable, and how Grundfos can help grow the industry.

1:00pm     Time to Walk the Exhibit Hall (through 1:30pm)

1:30pm     Round Table Discussion: Bringing Well Water Drillers into Geothermal

Panelists:       Panelists are still be finalized (Moderator: Kortney Lull, Midwest Geothermal / IGSHPA Board of Directors Chair)

Abstract:        As the industry grows, there is a need for drillers to do geothermal closed loop systems. What are the benefits for water well drillers in the geo industry and how can we encourage water well drillers to consider geothermal installations?

2:30pm     HDPE Pipe Integrity at Depth, Vertical Closed Loop Ground Heat Exchangers

Speaker:         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.

3:30pm     Break at the IGSHPA Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall (through 4:00pm)

4:00pm     Safety of ground loop installations

Speaker:         Speaker to be announced

Abstract:        This abstract is still being finalized.

 Research Track

The research track is in the works and will be published soon.

 Residential Track

8:00am      The Future of HVAC: The Geothermal Perspective

Speaker:          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.

9:00am      Designing Radiant Floor Systems Using Heat Pumps…Lessons Learned

Speaker:          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.

10:00am    Break (through 10:15am)

10:15am    Retrofit Applications

Speaker:          Jeff Lawrence, Enertech Global

Abstract:         This presentation will provide options for residential geothermal applications that can help make geothermal possible with the many challenges that retrofit installations can present. Topics will include dual-fuel systems (split systems and hydronic), ductless installations for homes without ductwork, high velocity systems (DX and hydronic), and furnace/boiler backup recommendations. Just because it’s not a new installation, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the many benefits of geothermal.

11:15am    Geo for Builders!

Speaker:          Steven Koep, PrairieFish LLC

Abstract:         Geothermal Exchange Organization conducted a targeted market engagement project that developed strategies to identify and engage with builders and developers (Custom, Green, Net Zero, etc.) who are open to utilizing GSHP technology in future projects. The effort involved communication and interaction with state-level builder groups and associations (HBAs), as well as other potential partners including electric utilities, state-level GSHP associations and other market participants and stakeholders. A preliminary assessment of the custom homebuilding (CH) market in 10 key states laid the groundwork for the introduction of the “GEO for Builders!” educational and awareness-building initiative focused on identified CH firms, with the ultimate goal of OEM engagement with these companies and increased utilization of GSHP technologies and systems.

12:15pm    On your own for lunch (until 1:15pm)

1:15pm      ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 Updates for 2023 Edition

Speaker:           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.

2:15pm      Exhibit Hall – Follow up with Exhibitors before closing time of 3:00pm

3:00pm      IGSHPA Annual Conference Wraps Up (Thank You!)

 Commercial Track

8:00am      Optimization of Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger Design

Speaker:          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.

9:00am      Best Practices for Configuring Ground Source Heat Pumps for Net Zero Energy Buildings

Speaker:          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.

10:00am    Break (through 10:15am)

10:15am    GEO Exchange Potential for Industrial Electrification

Speaker:          Mike Walters, 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.

11:15am    ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 Updates for 2023 Edition

Speaker:          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.

12:15pm    On your own for lunch (until 1:15pm)

1:15pm      Bridging The Gap to Net Zero Buildings with Minimal Carbon Imprint

Speaker:          Speaker to be announced

Abstract:         We will identify Thermal Diversity opportunities in Buildings/Campuses/Communities and present how to efficiently capture and re-distribute excess thermal energy with heat recovery and simultaneous heating/cooling and water heating technologies.

2:15pm      Exhibit Hall – Follow up with Exhibitors before closing time of 3:00pm

3:00pm      IGSHPA Annual Conference Wraps Up (Thank You!)

 Loop Installer Track

8:00am      Importance of Selecting the Right Thermally Enhanced

Speaker:          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.

9:00am      Angle Drilling

Speaker:          Stan Reitsma, Geosource

Abstract:         This abstract is still being developed.

10:00am    Break (through 10:15am)

10:15am    Challenges / lessons learned with site coordination, pressure testing, and lateral connections

Speaker:          Steve McGowan, Ground Loop Solutions

Abstract:         This abstract is still being developed.

11:15am    The Importance of Field Testing

Speaker:          Dan Sergison, Endurant Energy

Abstract:          In the constantly-growing heat pump industry, a lot of focus has been placed on heat pumps themselves, rightfully so. However, an equally-important aspect of ground source heat pump system design has been increasingly overlooked: site-specific field-testing. While heat pumps can operate in an array of impressive conditions, the thermal and geologic conditions at a site provide the source and sink for those heat pumps. Understanding the dynamics between the heat pump and the ground is imperative to providing sound designs, from time and cost estimation for construction, through the entire life of the system. While researching the thermal and geologic conditions is important, acquiring actual field data adds immeasurable value to the overall ground source heat pump project. This presentation will explain the importance of gathering field data, what it can help to avoid and how it can impact geothermal heat pump projects.

12:15pm    On your own for lunch (until 1:15pm)

1:15pm      Water & Graphite – A Geothermal Game Changer

Speaker:           Todd Tannehill, CETCO / Minerals Technologies

Abstract:          This presentation reviews the effect on volume of water in the geothermal grout mix. While sand was very forgiving of water amounts, the emerging graphite replacement is less tolerant and can greatly skew expected thermal conductivity results. This presentations explores the reasons and some solutions for ensuring that batches are consistent.

2:15pm      Exhibit Hall – Follow up with Exhibitors before closing time of 3:00pm

3:00pm      IGSHPA Annual Conference Wraps Up (Thank You!)

 Research Track

The research track is in the works and will be published soon.