Multi-Source Heat Pump Systems and Seasonal Thermal Storage

Course Description

This presentation by engineering consultant Gaylord Olson reviews a new strategy for extending conventional geo-exchange technology into a more versatile and cost-effective technology now known as multi-source. Conventional geothermal elements, e.g., boreholes and trenches, can be combined with other elements such as dry coolers and/or solar thermal collectors. At campus or community scale, efficient seasonal thermal storage is possible. A new form of unlimited-size single-pipe distribution is described along with computer simulation results leading to an optimized system design. Recorded August 14, 2024.

Learning Objectives:

• Show how multi-source systems improve traditional geo-exchange technology.
• Highlight the benefits of adding dry coolers and solar collectors.
• Explain how these systems enable effective thermal storage.
• Present new single-pipe distribution and optimization results.

About the Instructor:

Gaylord Olsen, Gaylord Olson is an independent consultant and inventor with engineering degrees from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and UCLA. He is a member of the Industrial Advisory Committee for Mechanical Engineering at Temple University in Philadelphia. He is the inventor or co-inventor of 14 patents with multiple recent patents related to multi-source heat pumps, underground thermal energy storage and solar thermal energy collection. Gaylord is a member of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, American Solar Energy Society, International Solar Energy Society, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Renewable Thermal Alliance, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, New York Geothermal Energy Organization.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Multi-Source Heat Pumps

• Dual Loop Pump and Valve Configurations

• Triple Loop Pump and Valve Configurations

• Multi-Source System Design

• Dual Source Heat Pump System Design

• Multi-Source Heat Pumps for Large Scale Applications

• Dual Source System Design Options

• Multi-Source System Using L-Port Valves

• Large Scale System with Dry Cooler and Solar Thermal Array

• Larger Scale System Design

• Pit Thermal Energy Storage (PTES)

• Multi-Source Thermal Storage Pond

• Underground Thermal Storage with Earth and/or Sand

• Heat Retention for a Partially Insulated Hemisphere

• Double-Layer Underground Heat Exchangers

• Exam