Stream One – Heat Pumps for Engineers: Introduction

Course Overview:

This CPD certified comprehensive course on Ground Source Heat Pumps covers a wide range of topics to equip participants with a deep understanding of these energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Through a series of interactive sessions led by expert instructors, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with ground source heat pumps effectively. By the end of the course, participants will have achieved a high level of competence in key areas related to ground source heat pump technology.

The course begins by emphasising the importance of adopting a whole system approach to ground source heat pumps. Participants will learn to articulate the significance of considering ground source installations as holistic systems rather than individual components. Building on this foundation, the importance of accurate building load information in ground source systems will be explored, providing participants with an understanding of why this factor is more critical in ground source systems compared to other heating and cooling technologies.

The role of geology in ground source heat pump systems will be thoroughly discussed, highlighting its complexity and importance in designing and implementing effective systems. Participants will gain an understanding of the various ground loop types available and the considerations associated with each. They will be able to describe and evaluate the different ground loop options based on specific project requirements.

To enhance practical skills, participants will be introduced to ground loop design software, specifically the popular package GLD by Gaia Geothermal. They will develop a basic familiarity with this software through demonstrations and hands-on practice. The course will also cover the hydraulics of ground source systems, emphasising their significance and providing participants with a clear understanding of key concepts and system requirements.

A comprehensive exploration of heat pumps will follow, enabling participants to appreciate their function and operational principles. The course will delve into the efficiency of ground source heat pumps, including definitions and calculation methods, allowing participants to accurately assess the efficiency of these systems.

The course will also address the trending topic of hybridising heat pumps with other technologies. Participants will gain an understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with integrating heat pumps with complementary technologies, paving the way for more efficient and effective system design.

Critical considerations such as heat pump selection and sizing will be thoroughly covered to ensure participants grasp the fundamentals and avoid common pitfalls. The course will emphasize the importance of a whole system approach and building integration, explaining how the heat pump system must be designed to work harmoniously with the building itself.

Expanding beyond heating, participants will explore the benefits of incorporating cooling capabilities into ground source systems, enhancing their understanding of the versatility and advantages of these systems.

The course will address system performance issues and common problems related to control systems, empowering participants to identify and mitigate these challenges effectively.

To provide a holistic perspective, the ground source supply chain and collaboration will be discussed, highlighting its unique aspects compared to other technologies.

The critical process of commissioning and handover will be thoroughly explained, emphasizing its significance for successful ground source heat pump installations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the commissioning process and its role in the overall installation.

Real-world case studies will be presented to demonstrate a range of ground source heat pump applications, showcasing diverse projects and illustrating the practical implementation of these systems.

Finally, a bonus session will introduce the concept and benefits of the ambient loop, also known as the 5th generation heat network. Participants will learn how this innovative approach can provide an alternative to conventional district heat networks and expand their understanding of advanced heat pump technologies.

By the end of this course, participants will have acquired a high level of competence in various key areas, enabling them to effectively work with ground source heat pumps, design optimized systems, identify and mitigate common issues, and contribute to the successful implementation of these sustainable heating and cooling solutions.