The Mission of our Trench Talk Webinars is to Cross-Pollinate Best Practices in the Art of Geothermal System Design, Installation & Service. Below you will find our library of previously conducted webinars. If you have an area of interest that you would like us to cover please submit your ideas in the Suggestions for Future Trench Talks form.
The Trench Talk Team
Trench Talk #11 – May 9, 2023 – “Coppertop”
Comparing the energy storage that is embodied in a geothermal heat pump system to battery storage that is essential to transitioning to a green grid is the essence of Dr Ponikau’s presentation. After you see and understand this perspective you will change the common question of “Why is geothermal so expensive?” to “Why is geothermal so undervalued?”
Join us for a live discussion with Jens Ponikau, President of NY-GEO and Buffalo Geothermal as he shares this paradigm altering perspective.
Trench Talk #10 – February 14, 2023 – Manifold Design
Understanding the basics associated with loop field manifold design is fundamental to designing cost-effective geothermal projects. In this episode of Trench Talk we will be taking a Deep Dive into fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and pressure drop calculations. We will quantitatively challenge the use of balance valves in a loop field design. Download Slides & Spreadsheet below.
Trench Talk #9 – November 8, 2022 – Samsung DVMS VRF for Geo
Why have major geothermal contractors embraced the Samsung DVMS Variable Refrigerant Flow Technology (VRF) in geothermal applications? Join us and listen to their reasons and maybe you’ll find it something you need to add to your portfolio. Join Amal Humsi, Ryan Carda, Scott Adelsbach, Jared Fortna and myself in a live conversation. Prepare & submit your questions.
Trench Talk #7 – September 13, 2022 – P-h Diagrams
The foundation to understanding the refrigeration process is the P-h Diagram. The P-h Diagram creates a visual model of the embodied energy or enthalpy (BTU/lb) of a refrigerant. Visualizing “subcooling” and “superheat” as well as the process of compression will result in more efficient diagnosis of heat pumps or any vapor-compression refrigeration machine.
Trench Talk #6 – August 9, 2022 – Brainstorming with SketchUp
Using 3D Modelling allows all stakeholders in a project to better visualize the various HVAC Solutions and arrive at a design approach that the HVAC Contractor, the Builder and the Interior Designer can contribute to, own and support the approach making the installation more efficient. Join us for a brainstorming session on a real project.
Trench Talk #5 – July 12, 2022 – GeoStar Product Line
The GeoStar brand of water source heat pumps is broad and provides a variety of choices to fit virtually every application. From the top of the line Sycamore with variable speed compressor, fan and pump to the more cost-effective Aston and Magnolia Plus a full range of performance and cost-effectiveness is available for the installing contractor to meet a wide range of market requirements. If you want a crash course in understanding all that GeoStar has to offer then join Chris Wasko and John Manning as they discuss the GeoStar Product Line and an opportunity to ask questtions.
Trench Talk #4 – June 14, 2022 – GX Flow Center
The family of GX Flow Centers offers small system designers with 3 or more heat pumps a “plug & play” highly efficient pumping solution. Using the WILO Stratos MAXO ECM Circulator the GX is a self controlled pumping system that adapts to the required flow and reduces pumping energy to a absolute minimum. If you are a geothermal system designer who is constantly searching for the right pump solution on a multiple heat pump system you will not want to miss this live webinar.
Trench Talk #3 – May 10, 2022 – Hydronic System Design
Hydronic System Design requires additional skills to understand how a water-to-water heat pump impacts your design decisions. The investment in geothermal essentially mandates a focus on efficiency. The webinar will illustrate the importance of Supply Water Temperature as well as understanding the importance of Direct-to-Load Piping, Outdoor Reset and Demand Enabled Control Logic. We will also discuss buffer Tank Sizing.
Trench Talk #2 – April 12, 2022 – Pump Selection
Detailed presentation to understand the Pump Selection Process for geothermal heat pump applications. From understanding basic pump curves to variable speed ECM Pump technology as well as piping system pressure drop calculations. The presentation will include an example of selecting the correct GX Flow Center.
Trench Talk #1 – March 8, 2022 – NetZero Update
An update on the GeoSmart NetZero Variable Speed Water-to-Water Heat Pump. Four HVAC Contractors share their experience in installing the product in over a dozen installations.