GAB 3.0 Geothermal Alliance Bavaria
Plant engineering and flexible operation sub-project:
Flexible and efficient plant technology is essential for geothermal energy supply. In the context of energy policy challenges and objectives for a sustainable energy industry, innovative and cost-efficient measures need to be developed. Geothermal energy systems are able to make a significant contribution to the energy transition, particularly in the heating and cooling sector. The sub-project “Plant technology and flexible operation” therefore deals with research approaches in the areas of feed pumps, large heat pumps, reversible ORC processes and cooling supply. The overarching objective is to transfer the technical solutions and methods developed to the various geological boundary conditions found in Bavaria. In addition, existing collaborations and contacts with plant manufacturers and operators guarantee that the solutions developed will also be incorporated into real applications. Specifically, a temperature and condition monitoring system for the pump motor is being developed in the submersible centrifugal pump work package in order to detect thermal overloads and other faults during operation and counteract them in the best possible way. The aim is to minimize motor and pump failures or at least detect them at an early stage. The WP on (large) heat pumps includes the experimental testing of new types of working media, such as mixtures and natural refrigerants, as well as investigations into heat transfer. In particular, this results in more cost-efficient and reliable system dimensioning. Reversible ORC systems significantly increase the flexibility of geothermal heating plants. Applications range from covering peak loads to electricity-heat-electricity storage systems. In addition to testing innovative components, the investigations are also concerned with improved system control. In general, the growing demand for cooling represents a further flexibility option for geothermal energy supply. In order to develop a sustainable system technology for geothermal operating conditions, the technical solution of a hybrid absorption chiller is being pursued in the WP Cooling Supply.
Term: 01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028
Employees:
Institutions:
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- Institute for Sustainable Energy Systems (ISES)
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