GeoWaermeWende – Geoportal-based monitoring of a geothermally fed low temperature district heating network as a contribution to the heat transition with active user integration
The decarbonization of the building sector and the expansion of renewable energies are key challenges of the energy transition. In this context, shallow geothermal energy, as a base-load capable renewable energy source, plays a key role in the heating and cooling sector. The share of renewable energies in the heating sector can be increased via heating networks, in particular by using low temperature district heating and cooling networks (LTDHC). The planning and scalability of such innovative concepts currently still poses many challenges.
In this research project, a holistic planning platform for LTDHC in combination with shallow geothermal systems on the district level is developed. Components are a geothermal network information system for data aggregation and visualization, a heat network system configurator for the combination of dimensioning, economic analyses and ecological evaluation criteria as well as calculation tools for the areas of buildings, heat pumps, heat networks and underground. With the consideration of all system levels, a comprehensive planning and optimization of such energy systems is made possible and new scientific knowledge about the mutual influence of geothermal source plants and heat grids as well as seasonal heat and cold storage in the shallow subsurface is generated.
Tool chains and the concept of a passive LTDHC will be demonstrated based on an existing district with an implemented LTDHC. Monitoring data will be used within the project for operational optimization as well as for 3D visualization of the subsurface heat network. With the demonstration of the scientific findings based on an implemented district in Schifferstadt, the heat transition can be tested under real conditions close to the market.
The Institute of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Building (E3D) is the coordinator of the project.
Project term: 05.2022 – 04.2025
Project partner:
- Chair of Geotechnical Engineering and Institute of Geomechanics and Underground Technology (GUT), RWTH Aachen
- Geodetic Institute and Chair for Computing in Civil Engineering & Geo Information Systems (GIA), RWTH Aachen
- Stadtwerke Schifferstadt (SWS)
- Transferstelle Bingen (TSB) in der ITB gGmbH
- Internet Marketing Services GmbH (IMS)
Funding/Client:
BMWK, funding code 03EN3059A
Contact:
Responsible group leader: