Irving, Texas and Springfield, Ill. — The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will advance the benefits that both organizations provide to the geothermal exchange industry. David Fink, president, PPI and Jeff Hammond, executive director IGSHPA, made the joint announcement Read more
geothermal
Irving, Texas and Springfield, Ill. — The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will advance the benefits that both organizations provide to the geothermal exchange industry. David Fink, president, PPI and Jeff Hammond, executive director IGSHPA, made the joint announcement virtually from their respective headquarters.
The purpose of the geothermal heat pump industry is to promote a sustainable and decarbonized future across the globe through the adoption of geothermal as the cleanest, most efficient heating and cooling technology.
Established in 1950, PPI is the non-profit North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry and its members through research, education, technical expertise, and advocacy. Founded in 1987, IGSHPA is a non-profit, member-driven organization established to advance ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology on local, state, national, and international levels.
“For more than 70 years, PPI and our members have focused on the development of plastic pipes and fittings which are the vital connection to the earth and bodies of water for geothermal exchange systems,” Fink stated. “We have always sought ways to work with other like-minded groups to amplify the benefits to the industry. Our work with IGSHPA has been highly rewarding, and we are looking forward to doing even more.”
“This is a very exciting time in the ground source heat pump industry,” said Hammond. “In 2020, IGSHPA became an independent non-profit, no longer part of Oklahoma State University. We see utilities, building owners, governments, and many others recognizing that ground source (geothermal) systems are the best technical solution for reducing energy costs and carbon emissions for heating and cooling buildings. The geothermal industry needs sound technical leadership and guidance and IGSHPA is striving to meet those needs. The collaboration with PPI couldn’t have come at a better time.”
One of the key components of the MOU is technical development, where PPI and IGSHPA agree to foster technical cooperation by providing opportunities to participate in and comment on proposed standards, guidelines, policies, and position statements on technical subjects, encouraging members in each organization to collaborate on technical committees and task forces, and establishing liaison representatives to key technical committees.
Recognizing the important role that research plays in accelerating the transformation to a more sustainable built environment, PPI and IGSHPA also agree to identify and collaborate in the development of projects related to the design and construction of efficient and long-lasting piping systems for geothermal applications. They will also promote research in areas where results will add to the body of knowledge in conservating natural resources, increasing energy efficiencies and sustainability.
“PPI has enjoyed a close relationship with IGSHPA for a number of years,” stated Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division (BCD). “IGSHPA’s scope of work related to geothermal exchange systems is very much in line with PPI’s scope of work. Since becoming a member of IGSHPA in 2008, I have benefitted from the resources made available to their members and have seen how PPI’s input specifically related to plastic piping materials can assist IGSHPA members. Several PPI member firms are also members of IGSHPA.”
Part of PPI’s mission is to educate the geothermal industry about correct usage of plastic piping materials HDPE, PEX, PE-RT, and PP. “It is important that geothermal engineers have access to accurate information about these pipe materials. There are ideal applications for each of these materials, when utilized correctly,” MacNevin said. “The MOU with IGSHPA will help to accelerate our goal to deliver accurate and thorough information about these systems, so that the best pipe material can be selected for each application.”
MacNevin said that within his division, the Geothermal Steering Committee focuses on specific industry-related issues. “This group is dedicated just to the geothermal industry that includes helping to update standards and codes. Plus, it publishes documents about the use of plastic piping systems for geothermal applications, and serves as a technical resource for geothermal system designers, with regards to plastic piping technologies.”
Other areas addressed in the MOU include advocacy and publications. In addition to the recent MOU, each organization maintains official membership in the other.
“This Memorandum is certainly very exciting,” MacNevin said. “It clearly defines our goals, outlines the initiatives, and sums up the strong support structure of why and how we have forged this agreement. The collaborative work of IGSHPA and PPI members, based on their years of experience and knowledge, is intended to benefit the geothermal community and, ultimately, the public.”
“The wealth of knowledge contained in both of our organizations is second to none,” Hammond said. “So, we are looking forward to expanding our relationship with PPI to help increase the technical knowledge of the industry.”.
Additional information can be found at https://plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction or at www.IGSHPA.org/
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This beautiful contemporary design home in Harrisburg, Pa., was built by Alex Grass, founder of Rite-Aid pharmacy, in the early 1970s. When Mr. Rill purchased the sprawling 7,382 sq. ft. home from the late Alex Grass estate, he knew he would need to make some upgrades. Project Goals √ Convert from an outdated oil system Read more
This beautiful contemporary design home in Harrisburg, Pa., was built by Alex Grass, founder of Rite-Aid pharmacy, in the early 1970s. When Mr. Rill purchased the sprawling 7,382 sq. ft. home from the late Alex Grass estate, he knew he would need to make some upgrades.
Project Goals
√ Convert from an outdated oil system to a highly-efficient geothermal system
√ Reduce sky-high operating and maintenance costs
√ Increase comfort and improve level of control
√ Decrease large footprint of complex system in the basement
Equipped with a commercial boiler and chiller system using pneumatic controls, the residence cost Mr. Rill about $6,000 per month for electricity and heating oil. The complex pneumatic controls resulted in numerous service calls, averaging $700 per call. Excessive space required for the HVAC system, associated piping, ductwork, and controls in basement were less than ideal. Mr. Rill opted for a more efficient, cost-saving and simple system that would be easier to control and service.
A Tailored Approach
A Tailored ApproachAs Michael Armstrong, Residential Sales Manager, Morrison Inc. explains, the needs of Mr. Rill’s family were taken into careful consideration, “This proposal was based upon a thorough heat loss/gain done on the structure using the original blueprints and then calculating the needs of the customer to design and adapt the existing ducting to provide comfort zones meeting the family’s lifestyle.” With this information, Armstrong moved forward with a highly-tailored system, “comprising of six closed loop Bosch SM two-stage water-to-air geothermal heat pump units feeding 11 different air zones.
“We were able to work in stages to allow a transition from the original system to the new geothermal system, thus allowing the family to stay in their home during the entire installation and removal process.”
In addition to the water-to-air systems, we proposed and installed a closed loop Bosch TW035 two-stage water-to-water geothermal heat pump unit which provides the home with all of its domestic hot water. The hot water system was coupled with a 120 gallon in-line storage tank to feed into the home’s existing recirculating domestic hot water piping. The total capacity of the geothermal system was 31 tons with 4,650 feet of closed loop vertical bore and 9,300 feet of HDPE piping.” All Bosch geothermal units have factory installed auxiliary electric heat coils as a secondary heat source if needed.
Bosch TW035 water-to-water system provides domestic hot water.
Finding the Remedy
Mr. Rill and his family are extremely happy with their decision to convert to a geothermal system. The home is now totally electric, with the highest single monthly electric bill being $1,141, during one of the region’s coldest winters on record! “Mr. Rill keeps detailed usage records and says he cannot be happier. The comfort level is fantastic and he loves the fact that he can set the various areas of his home to the temperature that he wants,” says Armstrong.
Two of six Bosch SM two-stage geothermal heat pumps installed in the basement.
Available from 2 to 5 & 10 tons, the Bosch Greensource CDi Series TW Model boasts industry leading efficiency – even at full-load heating. The TW provides maximum comfort with minimum energy usage, making it perfect for hydronic floor/baseboard heating, hydronic forced air fan coil heating/cooling, ice and snow melting, swimming pool/spa heating, and supplemental potable hot water generation. Features include:
• High efficiency two-stage scroll compressors
• Dual density compressor blankets for quiet operation
• Durable, high quality, painted galvanized steel cabinet
• Optional Heat Recovery Package (Desuperheater/domestic hot water)
Cambridge Massachusetts has outlined a framework to be an emission neutral city by 2050. The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan is a 25-year plan which envisions energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy production and potentially the purchase of carbon offsets and credits. On their way to meeting this goal, the city recently unveiled the first net-zero emissions Read more
Cambridge Massachusetts has outlined a framework to be an emission neutral city by 2050. The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan is a 25-year plan which envisions energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy production and potentially the purchase of carbon offsets and credits.
On their way to meeting this goal, the city recently unveiled the first net-zero emissions school in Massachusetts and the largest net-zero emissions building in the state: King Open and Cambridge Street Upper School campus. The campus includes an elementary school and middle school, school district offices, a public library branch, a community swimming pool, and preschool and after-school programs. The buildings are the first project under the Net-Zero Cambridge Plan and account for 273,000 sq. ft. and sit on four acres.
LavAdvantage
Eemax installed 150 LavAdvantage tankless electric water heaters, 10 Three Phase units and three SafeAdvantage units throughout the campus. Eemax products support specifications ranging from 1.8 kW to 150 kW, and flow rates from 0.2 GPM to 30 GPM. They installed the following on this campus:
- LavAdvantage: 150 units’ support handwashing in every classroom and restroom. They feature active energy management, power modulating controls, and a small, compact design also suitable for ADA compliant facilities. LavAdvantage provides safe, hot water on demand, while reducing energy and water waste.
- SafeAdvantage: 3 units provide tepid water for eye and facewash safety equipment in school laboratories. In schools, this tankless electric water heater can be found in chemistry and biology labs where an eyewash, facewash, and/or drench shower is required. SafeAdvantage features Parabolic Heat Design technology and is designed for low duty cycle applications where precise temperature control and low pressure drop are required.
- Three Phase: 10 units provide endless hot water to support janitorial services throughout the campus. Three Phase water heaters can support capabilities up to 5 GPM and deliver a temperature range from ambient to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Each unit is thermostatically controlled, and features Self-Modulating Technology, which provides precise outlet temperatures.
“This new LEED Platinum facility and complex proves Massachusetts’ unwavering commitment to ensuring the Cambridge community will have a clean and green facility for their students as well as the neighboring families,” said Jens Bolleyer, vice president & general manager, Eemax. “We are proud to be a sponsor, as well as a solution, supporting zero emission goals and providing safe and consistent hot water with our LavAdvantage and SafeAdvantage products.”
Roof-mounted PV array will generate an estimated 60% of energy on site.
Eemax tankless electric water heaters only consume energy when the water is turned on, and there is no water or energy waste waiting for hot water to reach the faucet. Another benefit of tankless electric water heating at the point-of-use is the elimination of recirculation loops and the energy waste (standby heat loss) generating 24/7 hot water that exists with traditional commercial boiler systems. In addition, as only one water line is necessary, a significant savings in material and labor can be realized during the construction phase. Tankless electric water heating is a zero-greenhouse gas emission solution. No venting is required as no fossil fuels are burned.
Project Details
- Units: This campus includes a middle school, an elementary school, a public library, and the administration offices for the school district
- Square Footage: 273,000
- Type of Construction: New
- Built for LEED v4 Schools Gold certifications
- Eemax tankless electric water heaters throughout the school and complex
- Roof-mounted PV array will generate an estimated 60% of energy on site
- Geothermal heat pump system provides radiant heating and cooling
- Rainwater reclamation system on site
REHAU announces a series of commercial plumbing and heating seminars to be offered as Lunch and Learns upon request to industry professionals throughout the US and Canada. The 1-hour seminars provide an introduction to design and installation of PEXa piping in plumbing, radiant cooling, radiant heating, geothermal and snow and ice melting applications. “We’re pleased Read more
REHAU announces a series of commercial plumbing and heating seminars to be offered as Lunch and Learns upon request to industry professionals throughout the US and Canada. The 1-hour seminars provide an introduction to design and installation of PEXa piping in plumbing, radiant cooling, radiant heating, geothermal and snow and ice melting applications.
“We’re pleased to offer this series of seminars specifically tailored to the needs of specifiers, designers and installers working on commercial and multi-family building projects,” said Max Rohr, manager of REHAU Academy. “Learning about the latest PEX-based plumbing and hydronic heating technologies will not only help these professionals meet their education requirements but may also bring benefits to their next project.”
Seminars are delivered at offices of engineers, design-build companies and commercial contractors by REHAU application experts and can be presented individually or combined into a multi-topic program. Professionals who complete the seminars receive an emailed Certificate of Completion.
- PEXa Plumbing Systems – This 1-hour seminar explains the material advantages of PEXa crosslinked polyethylene plumbing pipes, discusses how installation differs from rigid piping systems and provides details regarding engineering and code approvals.
- Principles of Radiant Cooling – Using engineering information and case studies, this 1-hour seminar introduces radiant cooling as a technology for reducing operating costs and lowering carbon footprints while increasing occupant comfort in commercial applications.
- Radiant Heating Advantages and Applications – After explaining the types of radiant heating systems, this 1-hour seminar delves into the advantages of radiant heating and concludes with typical applications.
- Geothermal Piping Technology – This 1-hour seminar explains the role of a ground loop heat exchanger, explores the capabilities and limitations of the two most common geothermal piping materials and compares three common manifold concepts for geothermal systems.
- Snow and Ice Melting Installation – In addition to addressing time-saving techniques for installing snow and ice melting (SIM) systems with concrete, asphalt and paver surfaces, this 1-hour seminar provides an overview of SIM electronic controls.
To request one or more of the above REHAU Academy commercial mechanical and plumbing seminars to be held at your location, visit http://www.rehau.com/commercial.
In addition to in-person seminars, REHAU is an AIA/CES Approved Provider of online continuing education content for the plumbing and hydronic heating industry. Online courses are registered with AIA/CES and other accreditation bodies for 1 LU (learning unit) and most qualify as AIA HSW (health, safety and welfare) content. Professionals who complete the courses receive a Certificate of Completion and credits are reported to AIA. For more information, visit http://www.na.rehau.com/ceu.
For additional information, contact REHAU, 1501 Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E., Leesburg, Va., 20176. Phone: 1.800.247.9445. Fax: 1.800.627.3428. E-mail: rehau.mailbox@rehau.com. Web site: http://www.na.rehau.com/academy.
REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. Approximately 20,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.