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SituTherm is an independent provider of in-situ thermal conductivity testing and ground heat exchanger design services for geothermal heat pump applications. Founded in 2003, we provide a valuable service to owners, installers, and mechanical system designers by investigating the thermal properties of the soil at a potential loopfield site, enabling economic construction of a ground heat exchanger with a high level of confidence. As an experienced and licensed engineer, we also provide loop design and consulting services.
Geothermal heat pump systems, or ground-coupled heat pump systems, are an ultra-efficient and environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling a building. The equipment is quiet, reliable, and requires less space than more traditional HVAC systems while using less energy.
Geothermal systems are also an excellent alternative for exceeding the system efficiency requirements of ASHRAE 90.1, and achieving points in LEED Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance.
Performing a thermal conductivity test at your building site will allow you to virtually eliminate uncertainty about the heat transfer characteristics of your particular soil and rock formation. Also, the installation of the test loop provides useful knowledge of the drilling conditions at your site, often increasing the competitiveness of drilling bids. Since the test loop is incorporated into the final design of the loopfield, thermal conductivity testing pays for itself. |