M2: Design and Operation of Geothermal Heating Networks

Course Director: Prof. Dr. Lars Kühl

The path to a greenhouse gas-neutral energy supply for buildings lies in the use of renewable energy and waste heat. In cases where energy sources can only be tapped with significant effort, grid-connected supply structures must be implemented to make these sources available to many consumers. When there are fewer consumers spread out over a larger area, individual solutions tailored to each building may be more practical.

Deep geothermal energy is ideally suited to covering the base load in a grid due to its year-round availability. This module addresses the integration of deep geothermal energy as a source during the heating season and as a heat storage medium for heat harvested in the summer.

Participants will learn how to properly plan and efficiently operate systems by gaining knowledge of consumption patterns, grid design, and operations. They will be able to analyze load profiles for neighborhood supply systems, identify appropriate solutions, and calculate key components. In addition, they will learn to evaluate different options from both economic and energy efficiency perspectives and to develop practical approaches.