Heat Pumps
Geothermal

Geothermal Heat Pump Fundamentals

Ryan Carda • Last updated 09/2023

Course description

Need to learn how geothermal heat pump systems work? Start here.

This is a professional development course for people getting started with geothermal systems. You'll work through a series of video and reading assignments. The course finishes with a knowledge check to make sure you take away the most important concepts.

This is course is part of our "Heat Pump System Design & Installation" series. You can take an individual course or enroll in the full program, which was created to provide a complete understanding of the design and installation of heat pumps systems.

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Continuing Education Units

Approved for: 1 BPI CEUs.

Full course outline

Welcome - Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 - Overview of Residential Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

  • "How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work" (.pdf)
  • Read: "Geothermal What's in a Name?"
  • Read: "The Ground Connection" (.pdf)
  • Intro to GSHP Systems - Part 1 (12:07 minutes)
  • Intro to GSHP Systems - Part 2 (25:05 minutes)
  • Module 1 presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Module 2 - Overview of Commercial Geothermal Heat Pump Systems

  • Basic Types of Heat Pumps (12:46 minutes)
  • GSHP Systems (16:27) (16:27 minutes)
  • The Ground Connection (12:48 minutes)
  • Pros & Cons of Geothermal Systems (11:58 minutes)
  • Module 2 presentation slides - Commercial Geothermal Heat Pump Overview (.pdf)
Module 3 - Economics & Marketing Considerations

It's important to understand the factors that determine when geothermal heat pumps are a good investment and when they aren't. Even if you're not in sales, these are still important considerations in your work.

  • Economics & Marketing - Part 1 (12:31 minutes)
  • Economics & Marketing - Part 2 (11:40 minutes)
  • Economics & Marketing - LoopLink Example (11:14 minutes)
  • Module 3 presentation slides (PDF) (.pdf)
Conclusion - Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Learning Check (19 questions)
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Instructor

Ryan Carda

Principal Engineer, Dandelion Energy

Ryan Carda is Principal Engineer for Dandelion. He is primarily responsible for design and engineering standardization, with a focus on optimizing the performance and lowering the cost of geothermal systems. Prior to that, Ryan co-founded Geo-Connections in 2004 and served as the company’s President until he sold the company to Dandelion. The products Ryan developed... Learn more

$295

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Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 3 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.

How long do I have access to the materials?

Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.

Is there a certificate of completion?

Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.

Can I register multiple people?

Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.

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