Efficiency Assurance and Enhancement of Shallow Geothermal Systems

Abstract

Shallow geothermal energy will play a central role in future heat supply. Recently, however, new types of heat sources (e.g., trench collectors, geothermal baskets, etc.) have been increasingly used, offering advantages in terms of permitting requirements and investment costs.

The ESS-ONG joint project aims to improve the efficiency, quality, and reliability of modern geothermal systems, particularly with new heat sources such as trench collectors and geothermal baskets. These systems offer economic advantages over conventional geothermal probes.

Project focus:

• Subproject 1: Introduction of qualified thermal response tests (TRTs) for geothermal probes, including independent verification and standardization of test procedures.
• Subproject 2: Development of TRT methods and model validation for additional source systems, particularly trench collectors and new designs. The goal is to create experimentally validated test methods.
• Subproject 3: Development of a standardized, modular, and open software library (GEO.Toolbox) that can be used to simulate and dimension a wide variety of geothermal components and complex systems. The open-source approach enables broad use and practical transfer.

A consortium of research institutes (ZAE Bayern, Biberach University of Applied Sciences) and industrial partners (equatronic smart energy, EVO Germany, and NULLplusNULL) is implementing the project. Demonstration plants in real-life operation will serve to validate models and methods. The results will subsequently be incorporated into regulations and disseminated in practice and education.

ESS-ONG supports the heat transition through practice-oriented research, established quality assurance, and innovative software solutions for shallow geothermal energy.