Associated Research Projects

Project description:

BoostGeotherm.Bayern is funded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. In this project we gather and transfer our research results and expertise in pore pressure prediction in a well database. Pore ​​pressure, together with the minimum stress, are the geological drivers for designing the minimum and maximum drilling mud density and casing points of deep wells in sedimentary basins. The aim of the project is to provide an information basis of subsurface pressures and drilling problems to guide future deep geothermal well design in the Bavarian part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin (Bavarian Molasse Basin). This is particularly relevant in the southern and southeastern parts of the basin, where pore pressures significantly exceed hydrostatic pressures.

Consortium:

Professorship for Geothermal Technologies, Technical University of Munich

Duration:

January 2021 – December 2023

Sponsors:

Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy

Link:

https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/gtt/research/projects/

Project description:

A transformation of the energy supply that replaces fossil fuels with renewable energy sources requires new powerful technologies to store the electricity generated by the sun and wind. One promising technology is Carnot batteries, which temporarily store electricity in the form of heat. The project focuses on the challenge of finding optimal working fluids for Carnot batteries. Three criteria are crucial here: Efficiency, operational safety and a low global warming potential. In other words, as few greenhouse gases as possible should be released during operation.

Consortium:

• Chair of Technical Thermodynamics and Transport Processes (LTTT) at the Centre for Energy Technology (ZET) of the University of Bayreuth

Duration:

July 2023 – July 2026

Sponsors:

DFG

Link:

carnot-batteries

Project description:

The project “Cheap and efficient application of reliable ground source heat exchangers and pumps” is funded by the EU as part of the Horizon 2020 program. The aim of the project is to reduce installation and operating costs for near-surface geothermal systems across Europe. Therefore new drilling techniques down to a depth of 50 meters should be developed for the installation of borehole heat exchangers. In addition, underground information is collected within the project, which is included in the evaluation. This optimizes the possible uses of these newly developed systems in buildings and residential complexes for heating and cooling purposes.

The GeoZentrum Nordbayern of the Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg plays an important role within the project as they are responsible for the work package for the development of downhole heat exchangers and drilling techniques, as well as as task leader within other work packages. In the course of Cheap-GSHPS, the working group for near-surface geothermal energy, in cooperation with REHAU AG + Co, also coordinates the monitoring of a downhole heat exchanger test field in Erlangen-Eltersdorf.

Consortium:

In addition to the Geozentrum Nordbayern, industrial and university partners from Italy, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, Greece and France are also involved.

• Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate – National Research Council (CNR-SAC), Italy
• ANER Sistemas Informaticos, SL (ANER), Spain
• Center for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES), Greece
• Department of Geosciences – Università di Padova (UNIPD), Italy
• Department of Industrial Engineering – Università di Padova (UNIPD), Italy
• Energesis Group SL (ENERGESIS), Spain
• Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Chair of Geology, Germany
• TECNALIA Research & Innovation (TECNALIA), Spain
• Galletti Belgium NV (GALLETTI), Belgium
• Geo Green SPRL (GEO-GREEN), Belgium
• Hydra srl ​​(HYDRA), Italy
• Institute for Construction Technologies – National Research Council (CNR-ITC), Italy
• Pietre Edil srl (PIETRE EDIL), Romania
• Rehau AG & Co. (REHAU), Germany
• Research and Environmental Devices srl (RED), Italy
• Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI), Switzerland
• SLR Environmental Consulting (Ireland) Ltd – Intelligent Energy Europe (SLR), Ireland
• Societatea Romana Geoexchange (SRG-RGS), Romania
• UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Italy

Duration:

June 2015 – May 2019

Sponsors:

European Union – Horizon 2020

Funding code:

Grant Agreement No. 657982

Link:

cheap-gshp.eu

Project description:

The DECAGONE project is about the demonstration of innovative components and approaches for ORC systems in the context of a 2 MWel ORC demonstrator, which will be realized in a steel plant in the Czech Republic. While the direct use case for the project is industrial waste heat recovery, many of the activities in the project are generally transferable to other use cases such as geothermal energy. The Chair of Energy Systems at TUM is intensively involved in the project with thermo-economic optimizations of ORC systems, dynamic simulations for improved control of ORC power plants, and optimized detailed design of air condensers for ORC systems.

Consortium:

• Enertime
• CEA
• Sintef
• NTUA
• TUM
• ULIEGE

Duration:

July 2022 – June 2026

Sponsors:

European Comission (Program Climate, Energy and Mobility)

Link:

https://decagone.eu/

Project description:

The Dolomitkluft project deals with the exploration, testing and analysis of the first fracture-dominated dolomite aquifer in the deep Malm of the Molasse Basin.

The project involves the geothermal development of the Gelting-Geretsried approximately 5000 m deep in the Malm aquifer. The project operator is Enex Geothermieprojekt Nord GmbH & Co KG. The deep well GEN-1 was drilled on behalf of Enex back in 2013, which turned out to be dry. The development followed the so-called facies concept, where a certain facies area is expected and drilled by 3D seismic interpretation. In 2013, the project left behind the longest and deepest geothermal well in Europe to date, with 6006 m drilled.

As part of the research project, a sidetrack will be drilled from this well through a trench-like fault zone. Deep-seated fault zones have hardly been studied in detail scientifically so far, especially with regard to their permeability structure. A structural geologic, geomechanical, geohydraulical and seismic investigationof this fault zone is planned by the research association in order to be able to make statements on the fault-related permeability structure. The research results are of crucial importance, for the future successful development of deep-seated fault zones, especially in fissured dolomites.

The aim of the research project is, in addition to gaining fundamental knowledge about deep fault-related geohydraulics, to pave the way for making the high geothermal potential of the southern Bavarian Molasse Basin economically accessible and usable.

Consortium:

Enex Geothermieprojekt Geretsried Nord GmbH & Co. KG (joint project applicant)
G.E.O.S. Freiberg engineering company GmbH
GTN Geothermal Energy Neubrandenburg GmbH
Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG)
Technical University of Munich

Duration:

May 2016 – January 2019

Sponsors:

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Link:

https://www.leibniz-liag.de/forschung/projekte/drittmittelprojekte/dolomitkluft.html

Project description:

The aim of the project is to determine the friction parameters, the deformation and the strength properties of the reservoir rocks and the suitable analog rocks. For this purpose, the following sub-objectives are defined, each of which can be summarized in a work package:

1.selection and processing of representative and suitable test specimens for the triaxial tests

2.contracting, engineering geological supervision and evaluation of the multistage triaxial tests on in situ reservoir rocks and analog rocks

3.integration of the obtained data and findings into an improved assignment of the reservoir rocks to suitable analog rocks

Consortium:

• TUM Chair for Engineering Geology
• TUM Chair of Computational Modeling and Simulation

Duration:

January 2023 – December 2023

Sponsors:

Bavarian State Ministry for Science and Art

Project description:

The aim of the present project is to study the influence of initial rock properties (porosity, grain size and shape), deformation (compaction, shearing and combinations) and crack healing on the development of deformation bands and faults. An extended DEM approach with multi-scale aggregates and healing algorithms will be used to study structures on the grain and single fault scale, whereas the reservoir scale flow properties will be determined with continuum models.

Consortium:

• GeoZentrum Nordbayern,
• FAU Material Science,
• FAU Physics
• FAU Chemistry
• FAU Mathematics
• FAU – Mechanics

Duration:

January 2022 – December 2024

Sponsors:

DFG

Funding code:

DFG Graduiertenkolleg GRK 2423

Link:

https://www.frascal.research.fau.eu/

With the expertise obtained from the first stage of the GAB, the Chair of Energy Systems was able to partner up with a large consortium in the marine sector on energy efficiency and new energy verctors – the EU Engimmonia project.

Project description:

The ENGIMMONIA project develops a strategy to decarbonize the maritime transport promoting the use of ammonia as an alternative fuel and the on-board exploitation of clean energy technologies already available for terrestrial applications. ENGIMMONIA would develop and test on-board sustainable energy (photovoltaic) and waste recovery solutions (Organic Rankine Cycle and adsorption chiller) and after treatment systems to avoid uncontrolled pollutants dispersion, even for a cleaner fuel as ammonia is. Demonstrators of the project will be three pilot vessels: an oil tanker, a ferry and a container ship.

The project contains 10 Work Packages (WP):

The project contains 10 Work Packages (WP):

• WP 1: Project Management, Monitoring And Assessment
• WP 2: Ammonia combustion and emission modelling
• WP 3: Real scale ammonia engine testing
• WP 4: Development of the exhaust after treatment system (EATS) for the ammonia engine
• WP 5: Development of clean energy solutions for marine application
• WP 6: Integration and testing of solutions on-board and full-scale evaluation
• WP 7: Technologies evaluation and impact assessment towards replication
• WP 8: Regulatory, policy, infrastructure and safety aspects
• WP 9: Dissemination, exploitation and communication of results
• WP 10: Project coordination

Consortium:

The consortium for this project consists of universities, research groups, industrial partners, shipping companies and consultation firms:

• RINA Consulting S.p.A.
• National Technical University Of Athens
• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
• Technische Universität Muenchen
• Università Degli Studi Di Genova
• Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis
• Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation
• Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
• Lunds Universitet
• Politecnico Di Milano
• Orcan Energy AG
• Metis Cyberspace Societe Anonyme Software And Electronic Systems
• Fahrenheit GmbH
• C-Job & Partners B.V.
• Ricreation Ike
• Seastema S.P.A.
• MAN Energy Solutions SE
• Anonimi Naftiliaki Eteria Kritis (ANEK) S.A.
• Danaos Shipping Co. Ltd.
• Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale
• Famous Accounting, Technical, Commercial, Brokering, Shipping Single Membered Company Limited
• Haldor Topsoe AS

Duration:

May 2021 – April 2025

Funding body:

EU framework program for research and innovation – Horizon 2020

Grant agreement No.:

grant agreement N° 957752

Link:

https://www.engimmonia.eu

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 957752.

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Project Description:

The core element of the project at the GeoCenter Northern Bavaria of the Friedrich Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen Nuremberg is an inventory of all seismic, magnetic, gravimetric and drilling data already available in the Bamberg-Staffelstein-Coburg area and their interpretation with regard to subsurface structure and temperature distribution. In addition, a data pool of the petrographic-petrophysical characteristics of representative rock types of the above mentioned area will be established. The identification of young, hydraulically pathogenic fault systems will be tested by analyzing combined airborne laser scanner data and radon soil gas measurements on selected examples. A subordinate objective of the project is also the targeted identification of information deficits regarding the subsurface structure of NE Bavaria for the targeted planning of further investigations as scheduled within the framework of the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria.

Consortium:

• Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen Nuremberg, GeoCenter Northern Bavaria, Chair of Geology
• Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen Nuremberg, GeoCenter Northern Bavaria, Chair of Structural Geology and Tectonics
• Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) Hof
• Geological Service LIAG Hannover

Duration:

September 2013 – February 2017

Funding source:

Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection

Funding code:

U59a-U8771.45-2013/12-3 + 12/36

Project description:

Heat supply in the private sector holds considerable potential in terms of primary energy savings and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. With a share of around 50 %, heat supply dominates final energy consumption both in Germany and in Bavaria. Energy supply through centrally generating units and distribution through heating networks to buildings and neighborhoods has a very high efficiency potential. In this context, the use of low-temperature heat networks and the integration of heat pumps into such networks represents an innovative approach to reducing pipeline losses and lowering primary energy demand. The project “Energy Efficient Heat Supply – Upper Franconia Initiative” (EWIO) represents a technology transfer between the University of Bayreuth and Upper Franconian SMEs in the field of pipeline construction and energy and building technology. EWIO leads to a better basic understanding of the interplay and mutual influence of the heat supply and distribution system. The technology transfer results in the development and application of efficient system solutions for low-temperature heat networks on renewable basis.

Consortium:

• Chair of Technical Transport Processes and Thermodynamics, University of Bayreuth
• ASK GmbH & Co. KG, Kulmbach
• Geothermal Plus, Heinersreuth
• Karl Krumpholz Rohrbau GmbH, Kronach
• SCHWENDER Energy and Building Technology GmbH & Co. KG, Thurnau
• Mile-technik GmbH, Kulmbach
• ait Deutschland GmbH, Kasendorf (associated project partner)

Duration:

February 2018 – February 2022

Sponsors:

A project of the group of measures 1.2 Technology transfer university – SME from funds of the ERDF

Project description:

Fouling is a huge problem in geothermal industry and causes millions of dollars in damage every year, mainly due to spontaneous breakdown of plants. A low-cost, ultrasonic-based sensor network is being developed in this project for the direct detection and determination of deposits and biofilms for geothermal systems and open cooling circuits. The sensor network is supported by a self-learning predictive-maintenance algorithm, which enables us to predict fouling formation based on the hydrogeochemical simulations and models developed in the project. Therefore we can derive concrete recommendations for system operation. The detachment from fixed maintenance intervals or operation until failure increases the efficiency and resilience of the system and reduces the use of additives.

Consortium:

• TUM Chair of Hydrogeology (working group Geofluide, Prof. Baumann)
• TUM Chair for Non-Destructive Testing (Prof. Große)
• Z+H Wassertechnik, St. Wendel
• measX Mönchengladbach

Duration:

1.11.2019 – 31.12.2022

Sponsors:

Central Innovation Program for SMEs

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Project description:

The GeoBOOST project aims to increase the share of geothermal heat pumps in the heating market through the development of robust regulations, successful business models and increased training of specialists.

Consortium:

• EGEC-European Geothermal Energy Council
• TUM – Chair for Hydrogeology
• Polytecnical University Valenzia
• geoEnergieKonzept GmbH
• Terra GeoServ Ltd
• Rototec AB
• GeoSphere
• Groenholland geo energiesystemen BV
• PORT PC

Duration:

January 2023 – December 2026

Sponsors:

EU-LIFE21-CET-POLICY

Funding code:

LIFE21-CET-POLICY Project 101077613

Link:

https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/hydro/projects-ongoing/geboost/

Project description:

The aim of the “GeoFlex” research project is to analyze the flexibility potential of heat-controlled combined heat and power plants from deep geothermal energy – both from a technical and an economic point of view. In particular, it is examined whether and how deep geothermal energy systems are suitable from a technical point of view for flexible tracking of the residual load and for the provision of control power. In addition, the costs associated with the use of the flexibility potential of deep geothermal energy are determined. These cost structures are then compared to alternative, existing flexibility options.

The project is divided into 5 work packages (WP):

• AP 1: Status Analysis
• WP 2: Technical flexibility properties
• AP 3: Economic analyses
• AP 4: Outlook and options for action
• AP 5: Workshop

Consortium:

The consortium consists of chairs and institutions from the Technical University of Munich and the University of Bayreuth. The coordination takes place under the auspices of the Munich School of Engineering of the Technical University of Munich and is part of the project management of the Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria.

• Center for Energy Markets, TUM
• Institute of Water Chemistry, TUM
• Chair of Energy Systems, TUM
• Chair for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems, TUM
• Chair of Hydrogeology, TUM
• Chair of Technical Transport Processes and Thermodynamics, University of Bayreuth
• Munich School of Engineering, TUM

Duration:

November 2016 – March 2019

Sponsors:

Federal Environment Agency, acting on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Funding code:

FKZ 37EV 16 114 0

Project description:

The deeper subsurface of the Alpine foothills harbors a multitude of natural resources and storage possibilities, so-called geopotentials, which can be used for the sustainable management of green energies and can thus make a significant contribution to the energy transition: the more than 5000 m deep molasse basin along the edges of the Alpine arc are suitable in large areas both for geothermal energy generation and for the storage of weather-dependent green energies, natural gas or CO2. In many places, however, the use of these geopotentials is in direct competition with drinking water supply or oil and gas extraction. The assessment of geopotentials therefore requires a holistic and transnational approach, taking into account possible risks, e.g.

The transnational project GeoMol, which is funded by the Alpine Space Program 2007-2013 as part of the European Territorial Cooperation, brings together partners from Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. In the period from September 2012 to June 2015, basic information about the geological structures of the Molasse Basin and the Po Basin will be compiled and evaluated. These are made available to experts for cross-state planning as well as to the public. The 3-dimensional underground information provided by GeoMol is based on uniform evaluation methods and jointly developed criteria and guidelines.

The Department of Hydrogeology at the Technical University of Munich is working on the three-dimensional temperature distribution model in the southern German Molasse Basin on behalf of the Bavarian State Office for the Environment.

Consortium:

• Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) – Geological Service
• Office of the Upper Austrian Provincial Government (LandOö)
• Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM)
• Austrian Geological Survey (GBA)
• Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS)
• Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)
• Regional Council Freiburg – Baden-Württemberg State Office for Geology, Raw Materials and Mining (LGRB)
• Regional Association Lake Constance – Upper Swabia (RVBO)
• Emilia-Romagna Region – Geological, Seismic and Soil Service (RER-SGSS)
• Lombardy Region (RLB) – General Directorate for Territory and Urban Planning
• Republic and Canton of Geneva – Department of Environment, Transport and Agriculture (DETA)
• Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BfE)
• Swiss Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo)
• Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg (TU BAF)
• Technical University, Chair of Hydrogeology (TUM)

Duration:

September 2012 – June 2015

Sponsors:

The GeoMol project was funded by the Alpine Space Program as part of the European Territorial Cooperation.

Link:

http://www.geomol.eu/

Project description:

The research objective is the first area-wide, three-dimensional development of basic data for the use of geological and storage potentials. The focus of the objective is the recording and parameterization of the potentials of the “shallow” geological horizons in the subsurface of the greater Augsburg area and the user-specific further development of 3D facies models. Here, the three-dimensional structure of the subsurface, its hydrogeological properties, the dynamics of the groundwater and the relevant parameters for the geological and storage potentials in the greater Augsburg area are to be considered once. At the beginning, the relevant parameters for the respective use of the geo- and storage potentials of the subsurface are to be specified. Based on the usage requirements, the relevant geo- and storage potentials for the Augsburg metropolitan area are to be selected and recorded three-dimensionally, with the main focus here on the urban area. On the basis of the specifications for the geo- and storage potentials, it is to be worked out, exemplarily in Augsburg, how attributes (parameters) can be assigned to the delimited relevant potential areas in the 3D model according to their intended use, which provide the user with the relevant information for the practical assessment of their suitability.

Consortium:

• TUM – Chair for Hydrogeology

Duration:

January 2020 – December 2023

Sponsors:

Bayer. STMUV, State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection

Link:

https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/hydro/news/article/geospot-augsburg-kick-off/

Project description:

The project aims at the new development of an instrument for the more efficient planning of near-surface geothermal plants: The over-dimensioning of near-surface geothermal plants such as subsurface heat exchangers is one of the reasons why these plants have not yet been established more widely in the market.

With GeoSurf, instead of rough estimates of the soil conditions, the near-surface geothermal potential (up to a depth of 20 meters) should be determined and visualized in situ with the help of electrophysical measurement methods. The project involves the development of a robust GeoSurf instrument with the appropriate software that maps geoelectric parameters and correlates them to the desired geothermal parameters, such as thermal conductivity. On the basis of the parameters measured in situ, a new model and, derived from this, a simple, user-friendly planning tool for determining the heat exchanger parameters and the area requirements will be developed. The aim of the project is to demonstrate a reduction in the required space by over 30%, which leads to significant cost savings.

Consortium:

• Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen Nuremberg, GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Chair of Geology (working group near-surface geothermal energy)
• Tewag Technology – geothermal systems – environmental protection GmbH
• WFS Elektrotechnik GmbH

Duration:

November 2014 – January 2017

Sponsors:

BMWi – Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Funding code:

KZ 3120703ST4

Project description:

The ACTION addresses the inclusion of geothermal technologies into district heating and cooling systems in Europe to foster the de-carbonization of the heating & cooling market. With regard to technological solutions, the ACTION follows a strong bottom – up approach. Shallow-, intermediate as well as deep geothermal technologies are considered in monovalent or multivalent grids. Geothermal may act as a heating source, sink or storage and may be combined with other renewables (e.g. solar thermal), waste heat and other technologies like carbon capture and utilization. The ACTION covers networking, knowledge exchange & transfer, training and stakeholder interaction activities based on real  life case studies to investigate and promote solutions and roadmaps for raising the RES share in public heating and cooling grids to at least 30% in 2030 and at least 50% in 2050.

Consortium:

• TUM – Chair for Hydrogeology
• LEAD: GeoSphere
• Members of 26 European States

Duration:

October 2019 – April 2024

Sponsors:

BEU-Cost Action

Funding code:

CA18219

Link:

https://www.geothermal-dhc.eu/

Project description:

The goal of the GFK-Monitor project is to develop a system integrity management system for geothermal operations that utilizes operational data, integrates innovative fiber optic cable technology monitoring techniques, and standardizes monitoring procedures in order to i) increase the production and operational reliability of geothermal plants and their efficiency, ii) minimize or avoid potential environmental impacts.

Consortium:

• TUM – Chair for Hydrogeology
• SWM Services GMBH Munic
• Fraunhofer IEG
• GFZ HelmholtzCenter Potsdam
• UGOE-Georg-August-University Göttingen

Duration:

July 2022 – June 2025

Sponsors:

BMBF- Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Funding code:

03EE4036A

Link:

https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/hydro/projects-ongoing/gfk-monitor/

Project description:

 In the GoEffective project, the pore pressure database initiated in Bavaria is being expanded along the lines of the World Stress Map (GFZ) and extended to the other geothermal provinces in Germany (ORG, NDB). The core of the project is the development of a toolkit that uses the pore pressure database and World Stress Map in a semi-automated way to generate an initial estimate of the pore pressure and fracture gradient profile (PPFG) at new sites for improved well planning and execution. The toolkit will be tested at selected sites in the Molasse Basin, ORG, and NDB.

Consortium:

• TUM FG Geothermal Technologies (Lead)
• Geoforschungszentrum Potsdam (GFZ)
• G.E.O.S. Ingenieur-mbH

Duration:

February 2023 – January 2026

Sponsors:

BMWK

Funding code:

03EE4048A

Link:

https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/gtt/research/projects/

Project description:

The aim of the “GRAME” project is to develop the basis for a holistically optimized and sustainable reservoir development for deep geothermal systems in the Bavarian Molasse Basin. With a comprehensive, largely improved knowledge of the subsoil and the associated holistic development scenarios, large-scale projects for power generation of up to 50 MWel and heat generation of up to 400 MWth per exploration field should be made possible. In this project, the hydrothermal reservoir under a major city is to be explored for the first time in a coherent development concept using the large-scale 3D seismic survey Munich South. The seismic data collection and evaluation of the data using the latest methods is intended to optimize the long-term development of geothermal energy and thus the environmentally friendly heat supply of the city of Munich in an already extensively developed district-heating network. This project is intended to lay the foundations and demonstrate in the south of Munich how the potential of hydrothermal geothermal energy in the Bavarian Molasse Basin can be used much better and thus make a significant contribution to CO2 savings in Germany.

Sub work-packages TUM:

• Flexible ORC systems in the medium power class for geothermal applications:
  Promising power plant concepts are being developed in the medium power range for a flexible temperature range. The aim is to have a standardized ORC product that can be adapted to the different local conditions in the Bavarian Molasse Basin.
• Combined  heat and power generation:
  While the demand is regulated by the output of the feed pump in pure heat projects, the power production in CHP systems is limited to the use of excess heat. More or less flexibility can be achieved through a different interconnection or integration of the heat extraction.
• Feedback to existing CHP plants:
  The SWM area is supplied by two large CHP plants. The two conventional power plants on fossil fuels can be operated profitably due to their heat extraction. A heat supply that is mainly based on geothermal energy will have a major impact on the operation of fossil-based cogeneration systems. These effects are estimated using a model.
• Strategies for maintaining security of supply:
  Security of supply for heat and power is essential and must be guaranteed at all times. A certain redundancy in the heat supply can already be achieved through the strategy of several production wells pursued in the GRAME project. New concepts are needed to cover peak loads and power requirements. Mathematical methods should be used for this.

Consortium:

• Stadtwerke München (SWM) Services GmbH
• Erdwerk GmbH
• Geophysics and Geotechnics Leipzig (GGL) GmbH
• Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG)
• Technical University of Munich (TUM), Chair of Energy Systems

Duration:

December 2015 – March 2018

Sponsors:

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi)
Project Management Jülich│Research Center Jülich GmbH

Project description:

The BMW Group is starting a research project on the site of the BMW Dingolfing plant for the innovative intermediate storage of thermal energy at a depth of 500 to 700 meters in what is known as a high-temperature aquifer storage facility. The Chair of Hydrogeology and the Institute of Water Chemistry at TUM provide scientific support for the project. The aim is to set up the first high-temperature groundwater thermal energy storage (HT-ATES) on the BMW site in Dingolfing. The project, which is unique in this form worldwide, makes an important contribution to basic research in the field of heat storage. If successful, new possibilities for decentralized energy production and storage would be opened up, which could lead to significant CO2 savings.

The joint generation of energy and heat through combined heat and power generation is economically and ecologically beneficial. However, with an almost constant electricity demand, the heat consumption is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The concept envisages storing this excess heat in a limestone aquifer from the Upper Jurassic period at a depth of 500 metres. The thermal energy can be called up again in winter if required. To store heat, cold groundwater is first extracted via a production borehole, heated to around 130 degrees Celsius on the surface using the excess heat and then fed back into the deep-lying aquifer via a second borehole. There, the heat is stored in the rock and can be pumped out again in winter in the form of hot water. After the thermal energy has been extracted from the hot water on the surface via heat exchangers, it is returned to the subsoil after it has cooled down. The water cycle is closed and the groundwater does not come into contact with the above-ground works cycle.

This unique and innovative project makes an important contribution to research in the field of heat storage and renewable energies. If successful, the efficiency of decentralized energy production and storage will be increased, thereby reducing overall CO2 production. Proof of the feasibility of such thermal energy storage would be an important milestone on the way to a sustainable energy supply.

Based on the project results, a pilot plant is to be installed and scientifically monitored.

Consortium:

• BMW AG
• Aquasoil Engineers & Geologists GmbH
• ERDWERK GmbH
• HydroConsult GmbH
• Technical University of Munich, Chair of Hydrogeology
• Technical University of Munich, Institute for Water Chemistry

Duration:

• Phase I:  2013-2016
• Phase II: 2016-2022 (planted)

Sponsors:

• Bavarian State Ministry for Economics and Media, Energy and Technology
• BMW AG

Downloads and links:

• Press release  from BMW AG.
• Functional principle of high-temperature aquifer storage – research project at the BMW plant in Dingolfing .
• Notification on the  BMW homepage .

Project description:

The aim of the “IsoMol” research project is to take a holistic view of the flow dynamics in the aquifer of the Upper Jura (Malmaquifer), which is intensively used for hydrothermal geothermal energy production in the Bavarian Molasse Basin. In order to better understand the complex flow systems in deep aquifers, hydrogeological, isotopic and geochemical information is linked and evaluated together.

Previous knowledge suggests the hypothesis that the deep groundwater is made up of several components:

• a recent meteoric freshwater component,
• a glacial meltwater component with depleted signatures in the stable water isotopes,
• an “extreme” formation water component and
• a very old deep water component.

To achieve the goals of the research project, geo- and isotope-chemical investigations at selected locations are evaluated and interpreted in connection with the hydraulic data. As part of a new measurement campaign, special measurement methods are also being used and isotope-chemical parameters that deviate from the standard measurement protocol are being investigated.

Consortium:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM),  Chair of Hydrogeology
• Bavarian State Office for the Environment  (LfU)
• Hydrosion GmbH

Duration:

15 months

Sponsors:

Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection

Link:

www.hydro.geo.tum.de/projects/isomol/

Project description:

KompakT is a joint project between the TUM.GTT and the Chair of hydrogeology. Here we focus on the compaction state of the Cenozoic sediments of the North Alpine Foreland Basin and its underlying Mesozoic basement sediments to better understand the distribution of porosity, permeability and density of the subsurface in southern Bavaria. The results also help to better constrain velocity models for seismic processing and to understand the hydraulic activity of the North Alpine Foreland Basin over geological timescales. KompakT is funded by the Bavarian Environmental Agency.

Consortium:

• Chair of Hydrogeology, working group Geothermie, Technical University of Munich
• Professorship for Geothermal Technologies, Technical University of Munich

Duration:

September 2020 – November 2023

Sponsors:

Bavarian State Office for the Environment

Link:

https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/gtt/research/projects/

Project description:

The aim of the proposed project is the creation of an integrated, area-wide 3D subsurface model of the sedimentary overburden in northern Bavaria (here: Bavaria north of the Molasse Basin), which represents its lithological, petrophysical and structural variability. The subsurface model intends to make complex relationships understandable through visualization as well as to create a comprehensive data basis for application-related, geoscientific fields of application (e.g. engineering, hydro- and raw material geology).

Consortium:

• GeoZentrum Nordbayern

Duration:

January 2021 – November 2025

Sponsors:

LfU – Bavarian State Office for the Environment

Project description:

The SAPHEA project addresses market development in the field of integration of geothermal energy and underground heat storage into multivalent heating and cooling networks. SAPHEA’s overall goal is to minimize the barriers to this by developing tools and information platforms.

Consortium:

• GeoSphere
• TUM – Chair for Hydrogeology
• TUM – Chair for Energy Systems
• E-Think; TU Vienna
• UNITO University Turin
• EGEC-European Geothermal Energy Council
• AGH (Aademia Gorniczo-Hutnicza im. Stanislawa W Krakowie)
• GEL-Geothermal Engineering LTD

Duration:

October 2022 – June 2025

Sponsors:

EU-Horizons Europe

Funding code:

Horizon Europe CL5-2021-D3-02-03 Project 101075510

Link:

Project description:

Optimal seismic monitoring of deep geothermal systems in inner-city areas (LMU Munich). The Geophysical Observatory (LMU) acts as a contractor in the monitoring of geothermal systems in the Munich metropolitan area. In this context, the Geophysical Observatory of the LMU acts as a data center for all seismic stations located in the vicinity of geothermal systems (operator-operated as well as publicly operated) and provides the determined parameters (data quality, automatic and manual earthquake location, etc.) to the operators or their subcontractors via online access (including WebGIS).

Consortium:

• DMT
• BGR
• LMU

Duration:

May 2019 – February 2023

Sponsors:

BMWiK

Funding code:

03EE4003G

Link:

https://www.bgr.bund.de/DE/Themen/Erdbeben-Gefaehrdungsanalysen/Projekte/Ingenieurseismologische_Gefaehrdungsanalysen/laufend/seiger.html

Project description:

In the SondEx project a new, innovative drilling technique should be developed and tested with which it is possible to install borehole heat exchangers quickly and inexpensively and to be able to remove them again if necessary.

Within the project, the GeoZentrum Nordbayern of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is responsible for the material testing and the development of drilling technology on a laboratory scale (including the development of test specimens). In the course of SondEx, the working group near-surface geothermal energy, in cooperation with GMP – Geotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, is also involved in the monitoring of test drillings on a test field in Haßfurt.

Consortium:

• GMP – Geotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, consulting engineers and geologists, Würzburg
• Well & drill Marquardt, Hassfurt
• Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen Nuremberg, GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Chair of Geology (working group near-surface geothermal energy)

Duration:

January 2016 – December 2017

Sponsors:

BMWi – Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Funding code:

ZF 40222801GM5

Project description:

In SpeicherCity, innovative models for the system integration of aquifer storage are developed, coupled and applied to different locations in Germany. The aim of the project is the integration of aquifer storage in today’s and future energy systems.

Consortium:

• KIT-Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• TUM – Chair for Hydrogeology
• CAU-Christian Albrechts-University Kiel
• UFZ Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research
• Fraunhofer IEG
• GFZ Helmholtz Center Potsdam
• MLU- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Duration:

July 2022 – June 2025

Sponsors:

BMBF- Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Funding code:

03G0911D

Link:

Project description:

In a future strongly sector-coupled, renewable energy system, the district heating supply can take a key position for a socially accepted, economic transformation of the energy system due to numerous advantages compared to a building-specific heat supply. In sub-project 8 of the research network “STROM”, various options for a future district heating supply are to be examined at both a Bavarian and regional level, their cost structure analyzed in detail and an optimized methodology for district heating network planning developed.

The sub-project is divided into six work packages (WP):

• AP 1: Analysis of costs for district heating networks
• AP 2: Automated district heating network planning
• AP 3: Energy system optimization in Bavaria
• AP 4: Structure of the energy system model, type examples
• AP 5: Execution optimization of type examples
• AP 6: Project management

Consortium:

The consortium consists of five Bavarian universities as well as 26 industrial companies. The project coordination takes place under the auspices of the Munich Institute of Integrated Materials, Energy and Process Engineering of the Technical University of Munich. The following partners are involved in sub-project 8:

• Chair for Energy Systems at the Technical University of Munich
• Energie-Wende-Garching GmbH & Co. KG
• SWM Services GmbH

Duration:

April 2021 – March 2024

Sponsors:

Bavarian Research Foundation

Project description:

In the World Pressure Map project, a global database for pore pressure magnitudes is to be developed and rolled out. The Bavarian database serves as a starting point and template. In addition, a quality ranking for pore pressure magnitude data will be developed and possible average seismic velocities of nearby mudstones will be recorded for each data point to derive global compaction trends for pore pressure analysis. The project is funded and carried out under the ICDP Priority Program. ICDP and IODP drilling data are therefore the focus of this project. The project collaborates with international experts on geomechanics and pore pressure analysis.

Consortium:

• TUM FG Geothermal Technologies (Lead)

Duration:

October 2023 – September 2025

Sponsors:

DFG

Funding code:

DR 1226/1-1

Link:

https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/517908693?context=projekt&task=showDetail&id=517908693&