About The App
A pre-design tool to help geothermal engineers during the design process of GSHP systems.
Design Methods
The application incorporates both methods proposed by ASHRAE and IGSHPA for the user to select.
System Configuration
Vertically bored, horizontally bored and horizontally trenched calculations are all available within the app.
SI Units
All units have been converted to SI from Imperial. In the future, the user will be able to select preferred units.
Output Parameters
All parameters that are calculated from the user's inputs to find the required pipe length are also provided to the user.
User-Friendly Design
Apple's iOS Developer Guidelines along with Stanford University's CS193P online course were utilised to ensure the UI was user-friendly.
User Information
Information is available to the user detailing the methods, what each variable represents and recommended values for Melbourne.
Testing
Accuracy
To test the accuracy of the application, each method was tested for two cases. One case which gave a pipe length for a cooling result (CR) and the other case giving a pipe length for a heating result (HR). Each example case was from a published source that provided all required inputs as well as results to ensure accuracy.
Time Saving
A Master of Engineering student familiar with geothermal systems was asked to repeatedly calculate the same scenario by hand as quickly as they could. The fastest time they recorded with the correct answer and no errors was 14 minutes. Comparatively they were able to do reach the same results in less than 2 minutes when using the application.
Useability
To test the useability and functionality of the application, a focus group was used to trial the application and provide feedback. The focus group consisted of researchers within the geotechnical group of infrastructure engineering at the University of Melbourne. This demographic was selected as an appropriate group that reflected the potential users of the application who have a moderate understanding of geothermal systems.