Residential GeoExchange Heat Pump System Designer
Residential GeoExchange Heat Pump System Designers design systems that transfer energy between ground or water and residential buildings.
Job Requirements
Residential GeoExchange Heat Pump System Designers design systems that transfer energy between ground or water and residential buildings for the purposes of heating and cooling.
Their design responsibilities include assessing the single-family house and site, determining the optimal equipment and configuration for the system, and collaborating with project-related occupations to ensure quality designs and installations. The authority and limitations of designers of GeoExchange heat pump systems for single-family houses differ among and within provinces/territories according to the authority having jurisdiction.
GeoExchange heat pump systems are also referred to as ground source heat pump systems, ground-coupled heat pump systems, earth-energy systems and geothermal systems. The term “geothermal“ can be confused with utility operations that produce electricity using heat generated in the earth’s core. “GeoExchange” is the preferred term going forward as it reflects industry’s efforts to professionalize and communicate what quality work is to clients.
Educational requirements:
Most designers have extensive experience as GeoExchange Heat Pump System Installers and/or an engineering degree or engineering diploma.
Courses and certification are available for GeoExchange Heat Pump System Designers but are not mandatory for practice.
National Occupational Standard
NOS are a benchmark of the knowledge and abilities needed to be competent in a particular occupation. Developed by current job incumbents, NOS are a collection of the individual competencies that make up the whole picture of an occupation.
Related NOC code:
- 22211 – Industrial Designers
Working Conditions
- Working with existing and potential clients and other stakeholders to create a feasible design and business case for an energy/electrical project.
- Design work is typically completed in an office environment using computer-aided design software and specialized design software.
- Designers and Design Technologists also conduct field visits during the design and implementation phases and liaise with clients, on a regular basis.