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: Embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques for determining thermodynamic properties of buildings. In one embodiment, a method for determining a building UA-value comprises monitoring indoor and outdoor air temperature during a drift phase over a first time period, and monitoring a temperature control system run time during a second time period over which the temperature control system in the building restores indoor air conditions to an initial state at the beginning of the first time period. Additionally, an amount of heat energy change may be determined during the second time period. Embodiments may determine thermal resistance of the building from data obtained during over the two time periods, for example.

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.