Submerged Closed Loop Heat Exchanger (SCLHE) Permit

As of May 24, 2023, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103I authorizes the commissioner of health to issue permits for the construction of submerged closed loop heat exchangers.

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."

A person must not install a submerged closed loop heat exchanger in a water-supply well without a permit granted by the commissioner.

Requirements

• The water-supply well(s) used for the SCLHE must be constructed in accordance with the construction requirements for non-potable water-supply wells in Minnesota Rules, chapter 4725.
• 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 by the property owner, if they are not the SCLHE owner.

Application

• Submerged Closed Loop Heat Exchanger (SCLHE) Permit Application (PDF)