NGWA just released its long-anticipated newest title, Understanding Hydrogeology and Its Impact on Large-Scale Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. Edited by Nina Baird, Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, and John Rhyner, PG, P.W. Grosser Consulting Inc., these guidelines bridge the gap between existing HVAC literature and geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry training, and provide a useful ongoing reference for those involved in planning or site assessment for a large-scale GHP project.
While site geology and groundwater hydrogeology strongly influence the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a GHP system, these are often the least-understood aspects of an installation. NGWA prepared these guidelines to support installation and ongoing operation of high-performance GHP systems with focuses on the protection of groundwater and the optimal performance of the wellfield.