FAQ

FAQ

Topics:

Installation

 

HASP Keys

 

Operation

 

Theory

 

Residential Version - Specific Items

 

The GLD Installation Process

Good news!  Current GLD is now digitally signed and will operate on all "modern" versions of Windows.  GLD2014 includes a digital signature for worry-free installation and has been tested to work with:

  • Windows XP (SP3)
  • Windows Vista (32b or 64b versions)
  • Windows 7 (32b or 64b versions)
  • Windows 8 Professional (32b or 64b versions)  NOT RT

 

Step 1:  Run the setup program.  In some environments or versions of Windows, you will need to run as administrator.  Right click the executable program to display this choice.


Step 2:  You will see the following screens:

Setup Step 2


Read and accept the software end user license agreement.  This is a legal agreement.
Legal Agreement


Enter the user name and company information that you would like GLD to use.
User Information


Accept the default program destination.  You may change the location if needed, but we recommend using the default for ease of future operations.
File Location


Check and install the program using the displayed information.  You may go back and correct any items that need to be changed.
Ready to Install


The setup process is underway.  Several screens resembling this will display your progress.

Now Installing


When the initial setup is completed, this screen will be presented.  Uncheck the Launch program box if you are installing the full (non-trial) version.
Setup Completed


Plug in your USB hardware key.  The device drivers for the key will load automatically.  This may take a few minutes as the internet is checked for updates.  If you expand the applet in the lower right tray area, a progress box similar to below will be displayed.  If you do not wait for this process to complete, GLD will only launch in the trial mode.  Note that GLD2014 is the only version that will load seamlessly with Windows 8.1.  GLD2012 will install with a separate driver installation.  Earlier versions of GLD are not compatible with Windows 8 requirements.
Hardware Key Drivers


The red light will illuminate on your hardware key and the program is now ready to operate!  A splash screen on GLD launch will present the version information to show the successful installation of the software and key drivers.

Fully Installed


Upgrading from Previous Versions (i.e.: 3.x, 4.x, 5.x, 2009, 2010, 2012):

 Q.  I want to upgrade from a previous version to GLD2014.  How do I do this and will I be able to continue to use my previous version?

 A.  Upgrading is an easy process from any previous version.  If you have loads data or project files, you should consider copying the data to the new file folders for GLD2014 as they are fully backwards compatible with GLD2014.  While the upgrade process should not disturb files that were not included in the previous installation process, it is always a good idea to preserve a backup of important data.  Please note that customized heat pumps will NOT be available in the GLD2014 installation as a completely new updated pump file library is provided.

Since GLD uses a key protection system, the key profile is programmed specifically to your installation of the current product.  It is not possible to use both the previous version and the new version at the same time since the key will be programmed to recognize only the current version.  A previous version may still be installed on your system but it will revert to a trial mode of operation.

Updating to the current version is a straight forward process.  After you download and install the program, please follow these instructions for updating your license key:

1) Attach your current license key to the computer USB Port.
 
2) Navigate to C:/Program Files/Gaia Geothermal/GLD2014/Extras 
    Note:  /Program Files (x86)/ in Vista, W7 or W8 64b versions

3) Run the FirmWareUpdate executable while the license key is attached to the computer.

4) Look for an "Update Success" screen.

5) Next, run the GLDLicenseUpdater.exe that can be found in the same folder. Collect the key information, save the yourcompanyname.c2v file and then email it to us at: sales@groundloopdesign.com.

6) We will respond promptly with the key activation code.


Updating the Current Version of GLD with the Latest Build

 Q.  I got a notice or see that my version of GLD has an update available.  How do I update?

 A.  GLD will have interim builds of the program that will be available free of charge to users with the latest GLD software family (GLD2014).  To check if your GLD is the latest build, please use the menu pulldown for:  (help --> about)  to read the build number.  It will look like this:

 

 

The screenshot above is for illustration only.  If your "Version" (or build number) is different from our current build number, please download the latest version from our site.  To install the latest build, you will need to uninstall your current GLD from the Windows Control Panel.  Look for "Add/Remove Programs" or "Programs and Features" in your version of Windows.  This process will retain all of your projects and work EXCEPT for any custom heat pumps that you may have created.  You will need to save the pumps folder before uninstalling.  After uninstalling, please run the new installer and accept the defaults to keep the program in the exact same folders location.  See the installation process above if you have any questions regaring installation.

 


Installation Errors

 Q.  On installation, I receive a message that says I have another version installed and setup cannot continue.  You receive a message similar to the below dialog box:
 

Setup Cannot Continue 
 

 A.  You have previously installed GLD or have an earlier revision or trial version of the software.  The installer package is a full installation, not an upgrade. 

  • In the control panel of Windows, remove the previous version. IMPORTANT! Take care to save your proprietary work from any folders that reside in the folder hierarchy under the Gaia Geothermal folder.  Copy to a safe location so that the uninstall process does not delete your data.
     
  • After uninstalling the previous version, remove your USB hardware key and execute the GLD setup program.  It is generally not necessary to "run as administrator" but this can be done if there are any additional installation issues.  See previous topic (above)


Installation errors with Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit)

 Q.  I receive an error telling me I need to be the administrator to install the software?

 A.  Download and save the software from our website to your computer.  While most users will not find this extra step necessary, some workstations are running tightened security.  Right-click on the installation file and select run as administrator.  This step applies to all versions of Windows Vista and above.  The security is tightened on the newest versions of Microsoft OS.  Files should install after these steps have been taken.

Run as administrator 

 

I  can see my projects in GLD but can't find them in Windows Explorer. 
    (Issues that happen with W7 or W8 but didn't happen in XP)

 Q.  After saving a file in GLD, I want to send a copy of my project to someone but I can't seem to find the file when I look under the GLD Program folder.  I can see the files in GLD and they have a little padlock on the icon.

 A.  Users of Windows 7 and 8 have reported that their files are missing.  Actually, the files are not missing but are being stored in a different location.  Due to security issues that were introduced in Windows 7 (file virtualization), some programs try to write files to locations that are blocked by the UAC (user account control) Windows 7 OS.  This is not a problem specific to GLD software and is a function of Windows 7 and 8 security.  Users with standard rights, particularly in the Home version of Windows use "virtual folders" that are specific to each user, so it is likely that your project files have been stored in your "virtual folder".  Read further if you want to know the specifics. 

 

Depending on your computer security settings, W7 or W8 may also try to prevent GLD from writing to its own folders and this will cause strange behaviors with a lot of technical software.  For a quick solution, take ownership of the folders.  GLD2014 has a built-in fix to allow the user to take ownership.

 

Here is an example of how to find the "missing files":


You saved a finance project in GLD.  You expect it to show up in the folders under GLD:

  •  C:\Program Files (x86)\Gaia Geothermal\GLD2014\Finance\(filename.fin) 

When you look in Windows File Explorer, it is not there, yet you can open it in GLD.  Check here:

  • C:\Users\(Your user ID)\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\Gaia Geothermal\GLD2014\Finance\(filename.fin)


    Note;  Standard level installation of Windows may hide the virtualized folders.  You may have to unhide these folders in Windows.

This can apply to other types of projects in GLD, such as Vertical or Horizontal projects; zone files; imported loads files and others.  The user security settings and version of Window are the controlling issue and you can seek further assistance from your IT staff to make changes to stop this from happening.  Otherwise, if your work data files are missing from under the GLD program folders, you can find them in the "virtual store" heirarchy that Windows has created.  There is no need to move them as GLD can see them in either location. 

 

There are other useability issues that this can cause so we recommend that you perform the "take ownership" operation.

 

Changing virtualization behavior by Windows 7:

     1: Take ownership of the Gaia Geothermal folder tree and

     2: Assign full rights to the user or group.

 

You will need to have administrative rights to make this change and your IT department can help.   This is the least intrusive fix available.  The folder permissions should be set to full control for the user, as shown below.  If you make this change, you can move your files back into their folders within GLD.  Making this change will not affect security in any other ares of your system and is the safest way to change the Windows behavior for GLD.  This fix will also work for other programs having similar issues.


 

 

The Easy way to Take File/Folder Ownership

Take Ownership Context Menu Want a convenient tool to allow this operation from within Windows File Explorer?  GLD2014 automatically installs the tool into Windows File Explorer to take ownership.  If you are using an earlier version of GLD, you will need to download this registry tweak (for Windows 7, all versions or Windows 8 Professional) and run on your system.  (The registry file is zipped for download security)   It adds the "Take Ownership of file/folder" option to the context menu (right click) for any file or folder.  (File courtesy of PC Magazine)  When you apply the take ownership option, a box will open and show the different files being processed and is the expected behavior.  The screenshot to the left is a look at a typical context menu with the "Take Ownership" command added.

When using with GLD, please apply to the "Gaia Geothermal" folder that is installed into:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Gaia Geothermal

This will change the ownership of both the files and folders that are part of the Gaia Geothermal tree structure.  This will allow GLD to manage and use its own folders.

If you want to remove the menu item from your system, download this registry tweak which will remove the menu option.  Note:  It does not undo any folder or file permissions for which you have taken ownership.

 


HASP SRM (Hardware Key) Errors

 Q.  On installation, I encounter:  "HASP SRM Error: Operating System Not Supported"

 A.  The USB hardware key uses drivers from the key manufacturer to communicate with your computer OS.  In most cases, the correct drivers will be installed but when this error is encountered, you may manually install the file.  You may encounter this dialog box:
 

For older versions of GLD (2009, 2010) the installer uses an older version of the HASP drivers.  Windows Vista and Windows 7 updates have been know to generate the error message and the workaround is to install a current driver first so that the GLD Installer will skip the HASP driver when it discovers a newer driver is already installed.

  

For GLD2009 - GLD2014:  Vista, W7 and W8 Users:

For convenience, we have provided a direct link to the HASP run time installer  and it can be downloaded here

 

Alternately, for the a specific Aladdin driver, you could  visit their site at   http://www3.safenet-inc.com/support/hasp.aspx and download their latest driver set. 

 

After loading the HASP driver, run the GLD Installation again and it should now complete correctly.
 

If you are using a network version of GLD, please refer to our Network HASP Key information

 
HASP Key Installation Errors

 Q.  On installation, everything works up to the installation of the HASP drivers.  The installation fails and is rolled back to the original state.

 A.  You may already have HASP drivers installed from a previous key installation or for another product that uses a HASP key.  It will be necessary to remove the previous HASP drivers.  GLD will install new drivers that should also work for other products that use the HASP keys from SafeNet.  If other products that use the HASP drivers need to be updated after installation, please run the SafeNet installer below, AFTER installing GLD.

 

GLD2009 to GLD2014:  XP, Vista, W7 and W8 Users:

For convenience, we have provided a direct link to the HASP run time installer and it can be downloaded here.  
 
Alternately, you can visit the SafeNet site http://www3.safenet-inc.com/support/hasp.aspx and choose the download for their latest driver set. 

 

If you are using a network version of GLD, please refer to our Network HASP Key information

 
GLD Only Launches in Trial Mode

 Q.  I have my key inserted but the software always opens in "Trial Mode"
 

 

A.  There are several possible issues:
 

1:  The key for your installed version must be plugged into your computer and must be lit.  If you install a different version of GLD and try to use a key that was programmed for a different version of GLD, it WILL NOT work.  The installed version of GLD must match the key.
 

2:  If the key is not lit, the drivers are not installed.  See the previous FAQ for instructions to load the drivers manually. 

 

3:  The key is lit but the software still opens in trial mode.  If you are sure that you have the correct key for your version of GLD, you can check to make sure that the correct drivers are loaded by opening a web browser (ie:  Chrome; IE; Firefox, etc) and enter this web address:  http://localhost:1947   You should be presented with a management screen that will provide further information about your key.  If you get a "page not found" error for this address, your drivers may be corrupted and need to be reinstalled.  See the previous FAQ for instructions to re-load the drivers manually. 

 

4:  If you are trying to use a standalone GLD key on a network that already has a network key for the network GLD version, the keys will have a conflict.  You will need to either disconnect from the network or remove the network key in order to get a standalone installation to work properly.  This situation is extremely rare and should only occur if the customer is trying to use software for a GeoCube installation where the full GLD Design Suite is also installed.  Please contact us if you have this situation and we can assist.

 

If you are using a network version of GLD, please refer to our Network HASP Key information


False Virus Scan Alerts  (from AVG or others)

 Q.  I have a virus scanning program that is identifying "GLDLicenseUpdater.exe" as being infected with a virus.  What do I do?  Is the program infected?

 A.  GLD uses a third party licensing system from SafeNet, the makers of the HASP USB key that ships with GLD.  The file that is being identified is the tool that is used to reprogram the firmware in the USB key to activate features of GLD.  This file is SAFE to run.  We are working with a couple different antivirus companies that are mis-identifying the file as being infected.  In the meantime, you should create an exception for the file named "GLDLicenseUpdater.exe".  It is typically located in this folder:  C:/Program Files (x86)/Gaia Geothermal/GLD2014/Extras/ 

  

Sorry for the inconvenience while we work with the vendors to correct the issue.


Updating your HASP Key (Dongle) for a new version of GLD

 Q.  I already own GLD and have a HASP key.  I want to add features or update my key to a later version of GLD.  Do I need to sent the key back for reprogramming?

 A.  The GLD HASP Key (Dongle) does not need to be sent back for programming as we have included utilities to allow the key to be reprogrammed in the field.  For instructions on the reprogramming the key after purchasing an upgrade or adding feaures, click here.

  

 

Can I have multiple versions of GLD?

Q.  I want to run multiple versions of GLD.  Is this possible?

A.  There is probably no reason to have multiple versions of GLD since the latest version is fully backwards-compatible with all of your previous work.  Additionally, the latest version has the latest heat pump data and calculation theory. 
 

If you want to run a previous version and the current version, it is possible because GLD creates aseparate top level folder for each version.  The requirement to run multiple versions involves the need for multiple keys.  Since we update the license key from previous versions to operate the current version, it is not likely that you will have multiple keys.  If you do have multiple keys for different versions, the different versions WILL run.
 
 

If you have not uninstalled the previous version after upgrading, both versions will run, but only the version with a current key will be fully functional.  We recommend that after upgrading, removing the previous version is good practice and will help to free up space in your system.


Remote Operation

 Q.  I want to remotely log into my computer and run GLD but it does't work.  What am I doing wrong?

 A.  As far as GLD is concerned, there is nothing wrong with using GLD in this manner.  Customers have asked about operating GLD remotely by leaving their PC on when they are out of the office but it doesn't always work.  The reason for this is that the HASP key and associated software recognize some remote clients as an attempt to defeat the license key restrictions and will present the user with the trial screen.  This behavior is not part of GLD and is due to the licensing from the SafeNet HASP Key.  Specifically, the HASP Key will NOT allow a utility such as the Microsoft Remote Desktop to operate the software via another machine because it recognizes that the user is not on the machine with the key.  It may, however, allow other utilities to operate GLD remotely.

 

Today, there are numerous web based utilities that are available for everyday use to allow a user to remotely access their desktop and we have found that some seem to work better than others.  An example of a utility that is known to work is RealVNC and this has been used by some companies to allow users to remotely work on GLD.  There may be other programs that will also work and it IS NOT the intention of the GLD Software to prevent you from doing this.  The SafeNet HASP Key drivers are regularly updated via Windows update services and GLD does not control the security nuances of how the HASP key views these remote utilities.  This means that customers with GLD software are welcome to use the software via a remote client but it is not something for which we are able to directly provide support.  


GLD "75Path Error" or other Path Errors

Q.  When doing a design, I sometimes get a Path Error dialog box

A.  GLD Projects are using a number of files to perform design work.  Some of the files are built-in library files and some are user generated.  When working with user generated files, such as an Average Block Load or Vertical Borehole, GLD creates a relationship that allows the files to interact with each other.  Normally, this is not an issue when all of the files are located in their default locations on the user computer.  In a network environment, there are unknowns with folder permissions and GLD needs to be able to write temporary changes to the project and loads files.  Many networks are locked down and will not allow GLD to write to the folders where the user files are residing.  This can occur even when the user has permissions because their machine operations may not have the right permissions.  A user that is experiencing this type of an issue may see an error message such as the one shown here.

 

The best solution is to copy your load and project files to the folders within GLD that are the default locations.  When finished, your files may be copied back to the network for later use.  The question below this:  ("File Locations")  provides a full list of the default locations that GLD uses.

 

If you can't find your files in these locations in Windows 7, refer to this note.

If you seem to be unable to run calculations without getting this kind of error, you may need to set the file and folder permissions in the GLD folder structure.  Please follow steps here



File Locations

 Q.  Why can't GLD find my data files?

 A.  When you create and save a borehole project, average block load, piping project or thermal conductivity test, there is a specific location that GLD expects to see the files.  You are free to store your project files to other locations but it will require extra steps to link your projects and loads, etc.  For most satisfactory operation, allow GLD to store projects and loads to the default locations.  These files can be copied to a network or external project vault when you are finished and ready to move on to a new project.  For reference, the default foldes are all under: 

  • \Program Files (x86)\Gaia Geothermal\GLD2014   (remove (x86) for Windows XP or 32b Vista)

Here is where GLD looks for certain types of files in order to work correctly:

Vertical Projects (.gld) :    \work files

Horizontal Projects (.gld) :    \work files

Pond Projects (.gld) :    \work files

Average Block Loads (.zon):   \zone

Zone Files (.zon):   \zone

Loads Files (.csv, .xls):   \Loads  (Hourly and Monthly data subfolders)

Loads (.gt?):   \Loads\GT Files

Piping Projects (.gfd AND .xml):   \Piping

TC Test Project (.gtc):   \Thermal Conductivity

TC Test Data (.csv):   \Thermal Conductivity\Thermal Conductivity Data Files

TC Test Reports (.pdf or .html):   \Thermal Conductivity\Thermal Conductivity Report Data Files

If you can't find your files in these locations in Windows 7, refer to the note above.

Saving your working files to a location other than the GLD default will cause difficulty in sharing files with co-workers.  Some of the project and zone files generated by GLD contain references to connected files which are relative to where the user has saved them.  When you give one of these files to another user, the saved relative links do not exist on the other computer and the files must be regenerated to correct the problem.  By saving files to the default locations, it is possible to share with others since their GLD installation will look in the correct location, by default.


ASHRAE Files from the GSA Module

 Q.  I want to use the ASHRAE files that are generated by the GSA Module.  Where can I find them and what is the format?

 A.  Beginning with a midterm release of GLD2012, the GSA module now creates ASHRAE outputs in *.csv file formats that work with Excel or other text editors.  The program currently does not include a button to take you directly to the files, so you can use Windows Explorer to retreive the files.  The standard location is: 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Gaia Geothermal\GLD2014\Finance\Finance Data

(Note):  If you are using XP or a 32b version of Windows 7 or Vista, please remove the (x86) from the above path. 

The files are automatically generated as a CSV file with each press of the calculate button and will be named:  FinGeoData_MM-DD-YYYY_HH_MM_SS.csv.  The latest files are always from the last time that calculation was performed in the GSA module and if alternate scenarios were included in your project model, there will be an "alt" in the file name for each alternate non-geo solution.

 

CFD Module Installations

 Q.  The Piping/CFD Module Won't Open

 A.  This module uses a programming interface that is not used in the other GLD modules.  While everything else seems to work properly, the piping module will not function unless the file below is properly installed and registered.  This is an easy fix.  In the GLD20xx --> Extras Folder, manually run the PropertyWindow83_00_setup.exe file.  After running, your system should now properly communicate with the GLD20xx CFD module.  This applies to GLD 2010 / GLD2012 / GLD2014 Premier editions.

 

Grayed out variables

 Q.  Can I change variables that appear grayed out in GLD?

 A.  If values appear gray in your program it means that you either don't have these features available in your version or your program is running in "trial" mode. If you are running in "trial" mode and you haven't purchased the software, click here. If you have already purchased the software and you are running in "trial" mode, please check to ensure that your USB key is properly connected to your computer.

You can verify that your key is connected by looking to see if your USB key is illuminated.  If illuminated, you can check the HASP manager at:  http://localhost:1947 .  A browser window will open and present the HASP Administrator, which will tell you if the workstation is correctly seeing the HASP key.


Grayed out results

 Q.  What do the grayed out numbers in the results mean?

 A.  The grayed out numbers in the results come from running the full dominant load against the  less significant design.  i.e. if there is a design that has a cooling dominant load, then the cooling design will be bolded in the results.  The numbers that appear grayed out will satisfy the heating demand but the long term ground effects and ewts will be run as if you applied the full cooling load to the smaller, heat demand satisfying, field parameters.



Iteration errors

 Q.  What does it mean when a error box appears that contains:
      "calculations fail" and "Iterations=xxx"?

 A.  This error generally appears when a design will never stabilize due to the design of the field.  Calculation failed.  Results do not converge. When the program detects that it will not reach a solution based on the design parameters that have been input, it will give a message such as this.  The number of iterations shown is not significant except that a very low number of iterations indicates that it did not take GLD long to see that the design would not work.  The first variable that should be evaluated is the pipe/borehole spacing.  If borings are located in too close of proximity to each other this error will develop readily.  This warning is set up to let designers know that the particular design is risky and may not work.  


Vista issues

 Q.  How do I get GLD to work with Vista?

 A.  GLD will work properly with Windows Vista by adjusting some simple settings. Find the location where you installed GLD and look for the file labeled GLDesign.exe.  Right click on that file and select properties off of the pop-up menu that will appear.  In properties select the "run as administrator" option.  Once that option is selected GLD should run properly in Windows Vista.



EWT's and total capacity appear as  negative values

 Q.  Why am I getting negative values for results in fields other than the ground temperature change?

 A.  This error is extremely rare and has only been observed in the pond loop module. If you experience this error in the vertical or horizontal module please let us know.  To correct this problem simply reselect your heat pump and recalculate the results.  This should correct any issues related to these findings

GLD2014 has incorporated "Performance Bracketing" messages that should indicate if your design has exceeded the operating specifications of the selected heat pump.  If you are seeing the message on the loads module or on the vertical/horizontal design modules, then your results are not valid until your design parameters are reset to a range that is within the manufacture's specified temperature limits for the heat pump.  GLD will interpolate the pump curves but cannot extrapolate data beyond the design specs.



.GT2, .GT3, .GT4 Files

 Q.  Can GLD use these files or only .GT1 files from Trane Trace?

 A.  GLD Only uses GT1 files.  To make your .GTx files work simply change the number to 1 at the end of the file.


APS File Export

 Q.  How can I export an APS file to my IES software?

 A.  GLD (Premier Version Only) can start with, and import, an APS file into the Average Block Loads Module.  The file will contain hourly loads profile data that GLD will extract into the Average Block Loads Module.  You should place the APS file in the Loads folder in the Hourly Sub-Folder.  The APS file may be quite large as it contains a lot of information that is not needed by GLD.  After importing the APS file into GLD, the hourly data check box in the Average Block Loads Module will be checked.

 

To export the APS file from GLD requires that the borehole simulation to be calculated in the hourly mode for at least 1 hour.  The APS Export option in the File --> Export pulldown menu will be greyed out if the simulation has not been calculated as described above.  The resulting file will contain the round-trip information that IES needs in order to use the GLD calculations.  The information that is unrelated to the loopfield simulation will be stripped out of the APS file and the resulting export will be smaller than the original APS import. 

 

GLD cannot generate an APS file without first starting with an APS source file. 

 

Regional Temperature Swings in Horizontal Models

 Q.  My local government or weather agency does not keep Regional Temperature Swing data and I can't find my location in your table.  I don't know how to proceed.  Can I compute this data?

 A.  We understand that you may have to do some approximations to determine Regional Air Temperature Swing or Regional Soil Surface Temperature Swing.  In a Horizontal design, this data is important since the local temperature swings will influence the performance of the horizontal heat exchanger. In the Soil Tab of the Horizontal Design Project Module, you will need to enter (3) values into GLD (for the Ground Temperature Corrections at Given Depth)
 

Coldest / Warmest Day of Year: If your coldest average day of the year is (example: February 1) day 32; and your warmest average day of the year is (example: July 1) day 181; these are the figures that you need for the coldest and warmest days of the year.

Using the absolute calendar day numbers (1 to 365) allows the program to be used in either the Northern or Southern hemisphere. You should be able to find typical data for your area.

 
Regional Temperature Swing:
The Regional Air Temperature Swing number generally comes from your regional weather reporting service or a government agency. Since not every designer can obtain exact data from a local agency, we can suggest an alternate solution. Here is an example:


Use this example data (formula works for Northern or Southern Hemisphere):
   Average monthly air temperature in January: +0.4 Celsius
   Average monthly air temperature in July: +23.6 Celsius
   Average yearly air temperature all year round: +12.7 Celsius

An acceptable approximation for Regional Temperature Swing can be calculated by using the following equation:

    (| Avg annual temp – Avg January temp| + |Avg July temp – Avg annual temp|)/2

In the example:
  Absolute value of average annual temp minus average January temp = |12.7 -0.4| = 12.3
  Absolute value of average July Temp minus average annual temp = |23.6-12.7| = 10.9

(12.3+10.9)/2 = 11.6 degrees (approximate regional air temperature swing)

 


Modeling period for horizontal systems

 Q.  How long should set the modeling period for during a horizontal design?

 A.  On shallow horizontal installations, it is common to see the modeling period set to one year. This is done because shallow systems are stronly influenced by surface conditions and have a tendency to refresh themselves on an annual basis.  With shallow systems the energy you are moving to or from the building won't store the same as vertical systems will.  With the lack of storage, increasing the modeling period will only lead to larger install sizes.  However, systems that are installed deeper in the soil may need to be evaluated over a certain amount of time.  Current theory indicates that it is necessary to install deeper than 40-45 feet to eliminate the influence of the surface conditions.  GLD takes this into account in the calculations.

 

 

Calculation Methods

 Q.  I get different answers when I use Design Day vs. Monthly vs. Hourly Calculations

 A.  GLD gives you several methods to simulate a project design.  Your results will be no better than the loads data that is provided to size the loopfield.  Depending on the data and the design module in use, GLD can use different methods to arrive at a design.
 

Design Day:  This design method uses peak load values and annual loads (AEFLH) values in conjunction with what is sometimes called the ASHRAE or Bluebook method. It is the fastest way to quickly size a loopfield although in some instances, the minimal loads data used by the model presents limitations. Design Day and annual energy loads may be imported from numerous third party products.  Design Day calculations are available in the Vertical, Horizontal or Surface Water modules.
 

Monthly:  This design method uses monthly peak and total loads for heating and cooling and provides a more nuanced and detailed analysis of how the system performs over time. GLD uses what are known as "g functions" and a variation on the borehole superposition model/LUND method of calculation to calculate loopfield performance over time. Since this method uses a much more detailed loads profile, it is able to calculate much more detailed results. Throughout much of the world, this model is the standard. Due to the greater detail in the loads profile and the use of "g functions", results calculated from this model can vary from those of the Design Day method. In some instances (but certainly not all) significant loopfield reductions can be achieved using this model compared to the Design Day model. Imported loads from advanced building energy simulation tools such as the IES , Trane Trace and Carrier HAP may be used for the monthly simulation method.  Monthly calculations are only available in the Vertical Borehole module.
 

Hourly:  This design method uses an hour by hour data set from a single year. Sometimes referred to as the 8760 method, this calculation intensive method requires significant computational resources and a single simulation for a large system may take hours. GLD at present time limits the simulation length to three years for this reason. A modified version of the Monthly method is used to predict hourly performance of the loopfield. 8760 hourly data is gradually becoming recognized as the industry standard simulation technique. GLD can accept hourly inputs from the IES, the Trane Trace program or from a properly formatted spreadsheet.   Hourly calculations are only available in the Vertical Borehole Module in the Premier or Complete versions of GLD.

 

 

Activating LEAD+ Licensed

 Q.  How do I activate LEAD+?

 A.  When you downloaded GLD2012 Residential (or earlier) from our website, two versions of LEAD+ came with it.  (LEADPlus is optional and available for sepatate purchase with GLD2014 Residential version.)  One file is a "Trial" version and the other is a full licensed version.  To find the full licensed version of LEAD+ simply navigate to:


c:\Program Files\Gaia Geothermal\GLD20xx\LEAD


Create a short cut to the file named LEADPlusSRM.  Place that short cut on your desktop for convenient use.  Double click the short cut you just created and the licensed edition of LEAD+ should open.


LEAD+ Installation, Hardware and Software Operation Requirements

 Q.  Do I need to have special hardware or software to run the LEADPlus Program?

 A.  If your system hardware meets requirements to run GLD2014, LEADPlus hardware requirements have also been met.  Additionally, LEADPlus utilizes MS Excel to provide the functionality to the multiple sheets of information and Excel must be installed on the system that you will be using to run the LEADPlus software.  While the LEADPlus software will open without MS Excel installed, the functionality will be limited and you will be unable to save your results.  The LEADPlus software utilizes a third party macro from "DoneEx" that relies on Excel for its functionality.  When you save data, the "AddIns" pulldown is used to save your project data in LEADPlus.  Without Excel installed on your system, this functionality will be unavailable.  MS Excel versions 2000 to 2013 are acceptable to operate LEADPlus 2014.  OpenOffice will not support LEADPlus.

 

NOTE:  LEADPlus for 2012 and earlier require MS Excel versions 2000 through 2010. 
Office 365/Office 2013 will NOT work for versions of LEADPlus 2012 and earlier.


Important Note:  The Microsoft Excel  (versions 2000 - 2013) that is installed on your system must be the 32 bit version in order for the LEADPlus tool to operate properly.  The operating system itself may be either 32 bit or 64 bit.

64-bit Workaround. Attempting to run compiled Spreadsheets with a 64-bit installation will display the error message, "Application launch blocked by another program."
 

  LEAD Plus Error with 64 bit Excel
 

The choice of 32-bit or 64-bit was made upon installation of Microsoft Office or Excel and the decision is reversable by reinstalling as a 32-bit application. Refer to your Microsoft documentation for additional guidance. For a more technical explanation of Excel 32-bit vs. 64-bit benefits and issues refer to this Microsoft document: 
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee681792.aspx.

 

You will also find this Microsoft document helpful:
http://officepreview.microsoft.com/en-us/support/choose-the-32-bit-or-64-bit-version-of-office-HA102840825.aspx


Excel Requirements

 Q.  Why must I have Excel installed on my computer?

 A.  The DoneEx XCell Compiler is an Excel add-in. You can think of the compiled executable as a wrapper for the underlying Excel file. Upon program launch, LEADPlus will look for a compatible Excel version and, if not found, LEADPlus may or not launch.  If it does launch without Excel present, the functionality will be limited and calculations cannot be performed.  The DoneEx compiler is specifically written for Excel and will not run with the OpenOffice suite. 

As stated in the previous FAQ item, 32 bit Office is required. 

Note:  LEADPlus 2014 will work with Excel 2002 and newer, including Office 2013 and Office 365
         
          LEADPlus for 2012 and earlier require MS Excel versions 2000 through 2010. 
          Office 365 / Office 2013 will NOT work for versions of LEADPlus 2012 and earlier.