HVA 260 - Geothermal HVAC Systems

Description
This course is a study in geothermal heat pump applications and installation. Students learn the workings of geothermal heat pumps including system components, proper sizing, troubleshooting, as well as selection and installation of the ground loop heat exchanger. Different types of earth loops and their applications are discussed, including both open and closed systems.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: C or Higher in the following courses HVA 135 and HVA 136
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: No
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology, A.A.A.S., Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Technology Certificate

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Describe how to design a geothermal heat pump system.
Understand the workings of geothermal heat pumps including system components, proper sizing, and troubleshooting.
Understand the different types of earth loops and their applications, including both open and closed systems.
Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.
Use well-designed search strategies to gather data and information.

Course Outline:
I. System Design and Material Option

II. System Layout

III. Pipe Joining Techniques

IV. Trenching and Drilling Processes

V. Air and Debris Purging

VI. Pressure Drop Calculation

VII. Pump and Fluid Selection

VIII. Thermal Conductivity of Soils

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 20-40%

Interactive Video: 10-20%

Field Trips: 0-10%

Lab Work: 30-40%

Mandatory Course Components:
None
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: IGSHPA Installer Certification

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
Yes
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Critical Thinking skills Level 2 Demonstrate proper heat fusion pipe joining techniques Performance-Based Assessment (Authentic)

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture/Lab Hours Per Week: 4
People Soft Course ID Number: 104519
Course CIP Code: 47.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment: 20
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA

School: School of Business & Industry
Department: Applied Technology
Discipline: HVA
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Professionally qualified through work experience in field (Perkins Act or Other) (list below), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Standard hiring requirements for the School of Workforce Development apply. An intimate understanding of the hospitality industry, its employees, and its differing markets should be required of the instructor.

Last Revision Date Effective: 2017-04-12 12:27:17
Course Review & Revision Year: 2025-2026