Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to introduce considerations for variances related to submerged closed loop heat exchanger systems within Minnesota's statutory framework. These systems are used in water supply wells primarily for heating and cooling purposes.

Main Provisions

• The bill allows the commissioner to consider variance requests for submerged closed loop heat exchanger systems, specifically in instances where adherence to existing isolation distance regulations places an undue burden on the applicant.
• It highlights the importance of considering factors that are crucial to the effective design and operation of such systems. These include the spacing between exchangers to improve thermal performance and the reduction of lateral piping lengths to decrease energy loss and enhance efficiency.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill proposes a new section in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103I, which outlines specific variance considerations for submerged closed loop heat exchangers.
• It requires modifications in statutory cross-references to reflect the new coding and adjustment of existing legal framework to accommodate these changes.

Relevant Terms

• Submerged closed loop heat exchanger
• Variance
• Isolation distance requirements
• Thermal performance
• Energy efficiency