Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is offering the Ground Heat Exchanger Tool as part of its RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software (provided completely free-of-charge by the Government of Canada). The program is used to help size and cost the ground heat exchanger for a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system for ground-coupled (horizontal and vertical closed-loop) or groundwater heat exchangers (GHX). The model calculates the ground heat exchanger size, including size of pumps and piping and quantity of circulating fluid, based on the heat pump capacity, average load and the site conditions. The results are automatically transferred to the Cost Analysis worksheet, under the “Specific project costs” section where the user can then estimate costs (and credits) associated with the proposed case. These costs are addressed from the initial, or investment, cost standpoint and from the annual, or recurring, cost standpoint. The user can refer to the RETScreen Product Database for supplier contact information in order to obtain prices or other information required.
