Ground Source Heat Pump Collector Design, Installation and Commissioning Course & Training Programme

Project Description

The project proposes to develop course modules and training for professionals involved in the design and installation of shallow geothermal and ground source heat pump technologies in Ireland. This new course will target all professionals responsible for design, specification , construction, installation and testing of ground source collectors. The installation of ground source systems involves the work of several professionals, these are outlines in greater detail in the recently published GSI Homeowner manual and include; Drillers & ground Works Contractors; Certified Installers and Plumbers; Designers & Engineers; Architects; The standard of installation, efficiency of the systems and ultimately long term sustainability of ground source systems is ultimately dependent on the quality of the design and standard of completion of the system. EU Training initiatives such as Geotrainet (www.geotrainet.eu) disseminate common best practice in the installation and completion of ground source systems, through national accreditation and certification schemes for professionals. Existing courses in Ireland focus only on the completion of the plant room to the distribution network. The ground collector design and construction of these are always based on rules of thumbs with inadequate site assessment and design specification, leading to inefficient systems and higher operating costs. This project wishes to develop a set of SEAI approved training and accreditation course modules for ground source professionals based on European best practice which will include the following key aspects; Site Assessment & design based on Irish conditions; Drilling, ground works and collector completion; Collector installation and testing;