Submerged Closed Loop Heat Exchanger (SCLHE) Permit

Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103I authorizes the commissioner of health to issue permits for the installation of submerged closed loop heat exchanger (SCLHE) systems. A person must not install or operate a SCLHE system until a permit is issued by the commissioner. Minnesota Rules, chapter 4725, establishes requirements for the system.

A "submerged closed loop heat exchanger" is defined as "a heating and cooling device that:

• is installed in a water-supply well;
• utilizes the convective flow of groundwater as the primary medium of heat exchange;
• contains water as the heat transfer fluid; and
• operates using a nonconsumptive recirculation.

A submerged closed loop heat exchanger includes other necessary appurtenances such as submersible pumps, a heat exchanger, and piping."

Requirements

• A person must not install or operate a SCLHE system until a permit is issued.
• A SCLHE must be installed by a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)-licensed well contractor.
• A completed application must be submitted to MDH.
• The application must be signed by the licensed well contractor, the SCLHE owner, and the property owner, if different than the SCLHE owner.

Application

• Contact health.wells@state.mn.us for an application