HydroThermikum – Research and Teaching Laboratory

Location

The high tech analytic and interdisciplinary labora-tory concept leads to a broad spectrum of investiga-tion and analyse options for consolidated and unconsolidated rock as well as for fluids. It is composed of the following laboratories and devices:

Ÿ Thermo-physical laboratory

Ÿ Permeametry and Porosimetry

Ÿ Thermo-Triaxial-Cell

Ÿ Soil-mechanical laboratory

Ÿ Rock-mechanical laboratory

Ÿ Freeze-thaw laboratory

Ÿ Hydrochemical laboratory

Technische Universität DarmstadtInstitute of Applied GeosciencesDepartment of Geothermal Science and TechnologySimone Roß-KrichbaumOffice Prof. Dr. Ingo SassSchnittspahnstraße 964287 Darmstadt

Tel.: +49 6151 16-22300Fax: +49 6151 16-23601E-Mail: ross-krichbaum@geo.tu-darmstadt.de

http://www.geo.tu-darmstadt.de/fg/angeothermAn endowed chair of the

Contact

Field tests

Apart from investigations on a pilot-plant scale the Department of Geothermal Science and Technology operates two test fields, in which in-situ-tests of the interaction between the underground and open or closed geothermal systems as well as buried electric cables under variable conditions are carried out.

For research and for cooperation with industrial customers the equipment for the following field tests is available:

Ÿ Geothermal response test (GRT)

Ÿ Enhanced geothermal response test (EGRT)

Ÿ Temperature and depth logging

Ÿ On-site measurements of hydrochemical andthermophysical properties

Ÿ Examination and quality control of drillingfluids and grouts

Cover picture by Sebastian HomuthLast updated: Dez 2016

Department of Geothermal Science and TechnologyInstitute of Applied Geosciences

Information

Institut für Angewandte Geowissenschaften

The activities of the Department of Geothermal Science and Technology focus on both scientific and engineering questions. Applied Geothermal Science connects the basic research with the requirements of practical industry applications. Applied Geothermal Science is in interdisciplinary exchange with other applied geological subjects like Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. Along with other technically oriented departments like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Architecture it is an important part of the research profile of the Technische Universität Darmstadt.

The Department of Geothermal Science and Technology is a member of EERA-JPGE, the Euro-pean Energy Research Alliance – Joint Programme on Geothermal Energy.

In addition to numerous national cooperations with industrial partners, universities, research centers, ministries, authorities and foundations we are connected to several international institutions, as for instance

Ÿ BRGM - Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières, Paris, France

Ÿ China University for Geosciences, Wuhan

Ÿ Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Switzerland

Ÿ GNS Science, Wairakei, New Zealand

Ÿ Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Ÿ TNO - Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research

Ÿ Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Argentina

Informationen

About us Teaching

The primary task of the Department of Geothermal Science and Technology is the education of students with an interdisciplinary approach at the intersec-tion of natural sciences and engineering. The aim of the teaching program is to impart theoretical background in lectures, tutorials and seminars. In addition to this, excursions, as well as practical courses in the field and in the laboratory are held in order to consolidate the theoretical knowledge and to ensure a practical education of the students.

The Department of Geothermal Science and Technology is one of nine departments of the Institute of Applied Geosciences, which constitute the consecutive Bachelor's and Master's program “Applied Geosciences” and the international Master's program “TropHEE” (Tropical Hydrogeology and Environmental Engineering). We are also involved in teaching and research projects of the interdisciplin-ary Master's program “Energy Science and Engineer-ing” and in the Darmstadt Graduate School of Excellence Energy Science and Engineering (Gradu-ate School ESE).

Selection of courses held by the Department of Geothermal Science and Technology

Ÿ Geothermal energy I (BSc) – Basic principles and shallow systems

Ÿ Geothermal energy II (MSc) – Deep systems, exploration and reservoir-technologies

Ÿ Geothermal energy III (MSc) – Analytical and numerical models

Ÿ Geothermal energy IV (MSc) – DShallow, medium deep and coupled systems

Ÿ Geothermal energy V (MSc) – WDrilling and power plant technology

Ÿ Geothermal lab and field courses

Research

Beside the education of students, the Department of Geothermal Science and Technology conducts basic research projects and is involved in the expert and scientific assessment or consulting of shallow and deep geothermal projects.

Research focuses

Ÿ Reservoir characterization by determination of geothermal rock parameters

Ÿ Coupled numerical modeling of heat transport

Ÿ Geothermal reservoirs and potentials (hydro-thermal and petrothermal systems)

Ÿ Fluid-formation-interaction

Ÿ Thermal-mineral-waters

Ÿ Measurement instrumentation in the field of geothermal energy

Ÿ Direct and indirect utilization of geothermal energy for heating, cooling and thermal storage purposes

Ÿ Integration of geothermal systems into net-works of other (renewable) energy systems

Ÿ Development of planning and completion parameters and methods for geothermal projects

Ÿ Potential- and feasibility studies

Ÿ Medium deep borehole thermal energy storage systems

Ÿ Thermal optimization of buried cable routs

Ÿ Development of construction materials for geothermal applications and line construction

Ÿ Development of innovative filter screens for geothermal well systems

Ÿ Simulation and measurements under reservoir conditions