Ok, I am going to stick my neck out on this one and hopefully wont get it chopped off.
I would like to self educate myself sufficiently to be able to design a system on the same level
as a professional.  I have limited resources so I need to be able to use my brains to make up for lack of
finances.  Can someone point me to engineering texts and other sources so that I can educate myself?
And yes, I know this wont be easy, but I know I can do it.
Thanks,
Bruce

are you wanting to design a house or a business?

Thanks for responding geodean!
I am retiring and am about to build my own house way up in Ereka Nevada, so initially it is to
be used for my house, but I am looking into ways to supliment my retirement income. I don't
have a formal engineering degree although I did finish two years of college preparatory for
an engineering degree. I had to drop out due to eye problems. However I have done a lot of practical
type engineering as well as a knowledge of welding, plumbing, electrical, mechanics, and even some refrigeration.
I ended up managing computer networks to earn a living.

That should give you a general idea of where I am coming from.
Thanks,
Bruce

You probably won't get your neck chopped off, but your head, maybe!! :-) Just kidding!

Can you be more specific about just what you want to learn?

You do realize you are wanting to drink Lake Superior dry using a shot glass, right? This isn't meant to discourage you, just to prepare you to be overwhelmed.

Thanks for the "heads" up dmaceld!
Essentially I want to understand enough of the engineering aspects to
be able to make good decissions. Things like how to calculate the various
parameters in the system to find out where the trade offs are. I am
not particulary interested in locking into any one manufacturers system,
but to be able to understand the differences between them so I can pick the
right system for the job at hand.
Bruce

Over the course of 3 years I have attended classes in four states totally 25 days of instruction costing close to $8000, purchased various software programs  costing $5000 plus three years of on the job experience.  I am just starting to get the hang of it.  

As dmaceld said this is not to discourage you,  but to help you realize that  there is a lot to learn.

There is a manual you can buy here that would be a good start.  These forums exist to exchange information and help us all learn.  So never hesitate to ask questions.  There are many systems out there that either work poorly or not at all because of poor design.

The first key step in designing any system is to determine what the heating and cooling loads are for the structure.  If you don't have this, you can't properly design a system. 

Then you have to design a loop field that can support the load.

Then you have to select the right equipment.

Every project is different.  Even the same building in different locations will be different.

It is a fascinating field and I really enjoy learning how to put it all together.

Good Luck and keep in touch.

Thanks geodean,
I will be ordering the manual shortly. I really appreciate your help, and hopefully over the upcomming
years I will be able to contribute help back to this forum.

And Yes, I know there is a steep learning curve, but Marines are not noted for quitting.
Bruce

I take it then you are focusing on geothermal heat pumps since this is the geo heat pump forum, right? I haven't tried to develop any particular expertise in this area since I dropped the idea of using geothermal, In any case I was relying heavily on a geo heat pump supplier.

What I will say is several manufacturers have really detailed installation and operating manuals online. Find and download what you can of them. You can learn from the similarities and differences between mfr approaches.

I was able to get a copy of the ECR Technology DX heat pump manual, but that was because at the time I was working, along with my HVAC nephew, with their dealer in Utah. I had questions that I called the mfr about and also asked for a copy of the manual. Because I was working with the dealer, and had some serious technical questions, the tech manager at ECR decided there would be no harm in letting me have a copy.

Are you looking to learn radiant heating, insulation, windows, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, tile, hardwood, and all such stuff as well? If so I can share a few things I've learned in my 1 1/2 yrs of retirement so far and in getting ready to build a house. So far I think I've drunk Lake Huron down a 1/2"!!!

Thanks dmaceld,
I PM'd you since this is a bit of a stray from the topic.

I am interested in both geothermal, but with solar water heating suplement as well as radiant system in the floor.
Someone on the net a while back had a solar tracking parabolic collector for generating very hot water or steam
that looked very interesting. This was a DIY project but he had it up and running in avery remote location and
seemed to have good results.

Bruce

Bruce,

Have you considered working with a geothermal company for a while.  Reading the manuals will stick with you much better if you have a chance to use it on a daily basis.  Also being able to get answers as you need them will keep you interested.  Good luck.

Here is another manual that you can download for free.

Good luck and keep in touch.

Thanks again geodean!

Alton, that is very good advice, and if I wasn't getting ready to retire and I wasn't disabled, I would jump on it.
I can do anything, but it takes me longer.

Bruce

Didn't get it. Try again. Should work as I've gotten others as recently as December.

Incoming...let me know if you don't get it.
Bruce

I have ordered that book from Canada geodean.
Thanks again,
Bruce

Nope. I sent one your way with my email. Let's see if works.

Anyone else have trouble w/ PMs. Is it working properly at all? Sure doesn't seem to be.

Are you clicking on the user name and using the "click to send email" link? That hasn't worked for me, but clicking on the "message" link at the left has worked, but I haven't tried it lately.

I used the clicking on the user name and using the "click to send email" link. Which didn't work.
The other way did work since that is how I got a response.
Bruce

Hey Jamie,

Take note. Please have the web gurus either fix the PM link via name, or get rid of it. It causes nothing but problems!!!

I received the manual from Canada today geodean and all I can say besides thank you is that it is money well spent. It will take me a while
to get through it but I am really looking forward to it. It appears to be quite thorough and even includes a good deal of math instead of sugar coated approximations.
Thanks again geodean!
Bruce

Glad to help. Good luck and let us know how it goes.