Abstract: A multi-stacked heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. A first end of the first heat exchanger receives a first fluid in a first conduit flowing in a first direction within a plane. A first end of the second heat exchanger receives the first fluid from the first heat exchanger in a second direction flowing opposite to the first direction within the plane. A flow of a second fluid is communicated through the second heat exchanger and then through the first heat exchanger, in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second fluid is in thermal communication with the first fluid in the second heat exchanger and then in the first heat exchanger. By doubling the flowed first fluid back upon itself, embodiments achieve counterflow between the first fluid and second fluid within a compact space.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method operates a heat pump that uses a ground loop to perform heating or cooling in a site. During the operating of the heat pump over a time period: the method measures a first series of measurements of a ground loop water flow rate by the heat pump; a second series of measurements of a ground loop fluid temperature for the heat pump; and measures a third series of measurements of a local soil or deep earth temperature. The first measurement, the second measurement, and the third measurement are outputted where a ground loop thermal resistance value is calculated for the heat pump based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the third measurement.

Abstract: The technology relates to systems and methods for creating openings in ground material in order to install ground loops for geothermal heating and cooling applications. As an example, a system for creating an opening in ground material may include a first drill head configured as a pipe pulling drill head and a second drill head configured for attachment with a boring tool. When attached to an end of a pipe, the first drill head is configured to pull the pipe into the opening in ground material. The second drill head may include a drilling portion and an opening opposite of the drilling portion, the opening including a first chamber that tapers towards a second chamber. The first drill head also includes a drilling end configured for a locking fit within the second chamber.

Abstract: A pipe shaker apparatus is configured to shake within a pipe and cause the pipe to vibrate. The pipe shaker apparatus includes a rotor having an offset mass. The offset mass is offset from a longitudinal axis through a first end piece of the rotor at a first end of the rotor and a second end piece of the rotor at a second end of the rotor. The pipe shaker apparatus also includes a tubular body having first and second ends. First and second end caps are arranged at first and second ends of the tubular body such that air is able to pass through the first end cap, enter the tubular body, cause the rotor to rotate, and exit the tubular body through the second end cap. The rotor is arranged such that rotation of the rotor by the air cases the offset mass to shake the pipe shaker apparatus.