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Earth Energy Systems

Geothermal systems cool buildings by leveraging the stable temperatures found beneath the Earth’s surface. A geothermal heat pump system consists of a ground loop, heat exchanger, and distribution system.

In cooling mode, the system extracts heat from the building and transfers it to the ground. The ground loop, typically composed of pipes buried horizontally or vertically, circulates a fluid that absorbs heat from the building’s interior. The fluid, warmed by this process, is then pumped through the ground loop where the Earth’s cooler temperatures absorb the heat, effectively dissipating it into the ground.

The cooled fluid returns to the heat pump, which distributes the now-cooler air throughout the building via the distribution system, such as ductwork. This process is highly efficient because the ground maintains a relatively constant temperature year-round, allowing the geothermal system to operate with less energy compared to traditional air-source cooling methods.

At the moment, though the technology has been made practical since Prince Piero Ginori Conti’s discovery in 1904, and has since tracked well in local building codes and environmental regulations, the bibliography for earth energy systems is nascent and relatively thin.  One trade association is emerging from the gathering pace of applications and case studies: Closed-Loop/Geothermal Heat Pump Systems Design and Installation Standards

We maintain the IGSHPA catalog on the standing agenda of our Energy, Mechanical and Air Conditioning colloquia.  See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.

Partial Bibliography:

Handbook of Best Practices for Geothermal Drilling

Best Practices for Designing Geothermal Systems

Geothermal Direct Use Engineering and Design Guidebook

International Standards

ISO 13612-1:2014 – Heating and cooling systems in buildings — Method for calculation of the system performance and system design for heat pump systems — Part 1: Design and dimensioning.

    • This standard covers the design and performance calculation of geothermal heat pump systems.

ISO 14823:2017 – Intelligent transport systems — Graphic data dictionary.

    • While not specific to geothermal, this standard includes data relevant to various systems, including geothermal energy systems.

ISO 52000-1:2017 – Energy performance of buildings — Overarching EPB assessment — Part 1: General framework and procedures.

    • This standard provides a general framework for assessing the energy performance of buildings, which includes geothermal systems.

IEC 61753-111-7:2014 – Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Performance standard – Part 111-7: Sealed closures for category S – Subterranean environments.

    • Relevant for the installation of geothermal systems that include fiber optic components in subterranean environments.

North American  Standards

CSA C448: Design and installation of earth energy systems.

ANSI/CSA C448 Series-16 – Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems.

    • This standard covers the design and installation of geothermal heat pump systems in the United States, providing guidelines on installation practices, materials, and system performance.

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 – Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

    • This standard sets the minimum energy efficiency requirements for the design and construction of buildings, including the installation of geothermal systems.

IGSHPA Standards – International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) Standards.

    • The IGSHPA develops standards for the design and installation of geothermal heat pump systems, with a focus on closed-loop systems.

NFPA 54 – National Fuel Gas Code.

    • Although primarily focused on fuel gas systems, this standard may intersect with geothermal systems when they involve hybrid solutions that include gas heating.

EPA Standards for Geothermal Energy (40 CFR Part 144) – Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program.

    • This standard regulates the injection of fluids into underground wells, relevant for geothermal systems that involve deep wells for heat exchange.

UL 1995 – Heating and Cooling Equipment.

    • This standard applies to the safety of heating and cooling equipment, including geothermal heat pumps.

“Neptune’s Horses” 1919 | Walter Crane

“Gelukkige Koningsdag!” Stamppot

Stamppot is a Dutch comfort food known for its simplicity and versatility. It combines mashed potatoes with various vegetables, typically leafy greens like kale (boerenkool), endive (andijvie), or sauerkraut (zuurkool), and often includes bacon or sausage.

The name “stamppot” comes from the Dutch words “stampen” (to mash) and “pot” (pot). The dish is prepared by mashing the boiled potatoes and vegetables together in a single pot. The result is a  slightly chunky mixture of mashed potatoes and vegetables.

There are many variations of stamppot, depending on the vegetables used. The most common types include boerenkool stamppot (kale stamppot), andijvie stamppot (endive stamppot), and zuurkool stamppot (sauerkraut stamppot). Each variation has its own distinct flavor and texture.

Stamppot runs deep in the Netherlands and is considered a staple of Dutch cuisine. It’s a dish that brings people together, especially during the traditional “Hutspot Day” (Hutspotfeest) celebrations in some regions.

 

Related: Dutch Student Stew

“Dutch Student Stew” also known as “Hutspot” in Dutch. It’s a traditional Dutch dish that consists of mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions, often flavored with salt, pepper, and sometimes bacon. It’s a hearty and simple comfort food that has been popular in the Netherlands for many years. The name “Dutch Student Stew” might be a colloquial or humorous reference to the fact that it’s an easy and inexpensive dish to prepare, making it suitable for students or anyone on a budget.

Nederland

Passover Menu

Standards Ohio

Practical Jokes 2026

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Keeping MIT Weird

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Gallery: Doctoral Dissertations, et al

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Blanchard Hall 1858

Edman Memorial Chapel

Capital Improvement Plan | 2022-2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illinois

Midnight Breakfast

Financial Position 2024: $6.784B (Page 21) • Capital Projects • General Revenue Bonds


Alabama

Kitchens 100

Stella

American Highschoolers try REAL British food for the first time!

In today’s episode we visited an American High school to see what they think of British Comfort Food! — Josh & Ollie @JOLLY

Approximately 80–85% of the USA’s founding stock (the European-descended population that established the country by the late 18th century) originated from the nations of the United Kingdom/British Isles — primarily England, with significant contributions from Scotland (including Ulster Scots/Scots-Irish), Wales, and Ireland (then under British rule).

This figure is based on the 1790 U.S. Census and scholarly estimates. Among the roughly 3.2 million European Americans at that time:

  • English and Welsh: ~60–64%
  • Scottish (direct and Scots-Irish): ~15–16%
  • Irish (mostly Protestant): ~5–6%
  • Total from British Isles/UK nations: ~80–86%

When leaving the large coastal cities aside, the share becomes even higher — often 85–95%+ in rural, interior, and non-coastal regions (New England countryside, Appalachian backcountry, Southern Piedmont, etc.). These areas were overwhelmingly settled by English, Scots-Irish, and other British Isles groups, who shaped much of early American culture, law, and westward expansion.

The remainder of the white population was mainly German (~9%), Dutch (~3%), and smaller groups. The founding stock refers to the colonial-era core population (pre- and around 1790) and their descendants, not later immigration waves.

British High Schoolers Try American Fried Chicken, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

By contrast, non-coastal, rural, and interior regions –Great Lakes Midwest, Mountain and High Plain Heartland, New England countryside, Appalachian backcountry, Southern Piedmont — were overwhelmingly British in founding stock:

  • New England states routinely showed 93–96% English ancestry (e.g., Connecticut ~96%).
  • Scots-Irish settlers dominated the Appalachian interior and backcountry South, forming a major cultural stream distinct from coastal planter elites.
  • Pennsylvania was an outlier with more Germans, but this was concentrated in certain counties rather than uniformly coastal.
  • Western Michigan was the destination for Dutch expats who were driven out of New York City boroughs.
  • Upper Peninsula Michigan drew Baltic/Hanseatic populations from Scandinavia

Excluding the large coastal cities therefore makes the UK-origin share even higher — often 85–95%+ in the rural/interior “heartland” founding population. These interior groups (English Puritans/Yankees, Scots-Irish borderers, etc.) were the primary expanders westward and shaped much of early American culture, law, and demographics outside the ports.

In the American experiment, race has proven to be the one constant that outlasts ideology, economics, and time itself.  Understanding our roots and our branches is made easier through food.

The Student Version of an English Breakfast

Pee-wee Herman Receives the Elmer Award from The Harvard Lampoon

“Poliakoffee”

Knighted by His Royal Highness Prince Charles in 2019 for his contributions in the field of supercritical fluids, the the International Year of the Periodic Table  — Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff – explains how to pair frozen carbon dioxide with hot green tea.

Castle Meadow Campus History

The University of Nottingham recorded an adjusted deficit of £85.3 million in 2024/25, largely due to falling international student numbers and major asset impairments. To survive financially without relying on imported international students, the university must focus on domestic growth, cost control, and revenue diversification.

Key measures include expanding home student recruitment through more accessible programmes, online and distance learning, and partnerships with colleges — all within current tuition fee caps. It should grow research income via grants, industry collaborations, and commercial spin-offs. Its international campuses in China and Malaysia can continue generating transnational education revenue without bringing students to the UK.

Significant cost savings are essential through staff restructuring, course rationalisation, estate consolidation (including potential campus sales), and administrative efficiencies. These steps form part of the university’s “Future Nottingham” programme. Longer-term strategies involve increasing philanthropy, alumni donations, and executive education offerings.

While government reforms to domestic fees would help, true self-reliance demands leaner operations and stronger non-tuition income streams.

Relata: Is Europe Committing Suicide? Douglas Murray on the Great Derangement of the West

Tea Water & Scones

 

 

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