Feasibility

Our first step is to determine if a system is feasible for the application process or site you are considering.
During the feasibility stage, we work with you to evaluate the following for your project:

• Energy modelling – how much heating or cooling is required based on the daily, seasonal, and annual cycles of the building (number of people, hours of operation, type of lighting, windows, etc.)
• Mechanical system requirements
• Geology of the site

Confirmation

If the project is determined to be technically and economically viable at the feasibility stage, then we need to verify that the site is acceptable for a ground-coupled heat exchanger, and in what configuration.

We may conduct a Thermal Conductivity (TC) Test depending on the project requirements. This involves:

• Drilling a test bore hole or excavating a test pit to determine the thermal properties of the local geology
• Determining how much land area is needed and what type of ground-coupled heat exchanger is best suited

Design

Once the project is determined to be feasible and the geology has been confirmed, we can start on the design of the system. The design process entails:

• Collaborating with all stakeholders (owners, architects, engineers, developers, etc.)
• Determining the appropriate ground loop configuration
• Designing the ground-coupled heat exchanger and optimizing its design to reflect the unique elements of the building design
• Keeping within the site and budget requirements

Implementation

After the design is complete, we work with the installers and construction team to build the ground source energy system for your building. The implementation stage involves:

• Installation coordination with all trades
• System construction within the given schedule
• Quality control – site inspections, performance testing, and verification process
• Commissioning – Review the installed system in detail to ensure the operation of the equipment is consistent with the design intent and is performing as expected

Operation

Once the building is commissioned, the system must be monitored over the coming months and years to ensure it operates as intended. During this time we:

• Review the energy load profile to ensure it is consistent with the original energy model and related assumptions.
• Observe operations of major mechanical equipment to ensure it is efficient and operating as per design sequence.
• Collect operating data (I.e. flow rates and temperatures) from the ground loop to confirm it is performing as designed.
• Provide recommendations on any required changes to operating setpoints as needed to create a balanced long-term operating profile.