Research Interests - Geothermal Research Group
Our geothermal research combines various geoscientific disciplines such as sedimentology, structural geology, hydrogeology, geomechanics, as well as geophysics, specifically seismology and well logging, along with mathematics, numerical modeling and geoinformatics. In addition, we collaborate with socio-economics, social sciences, and engineering. Thus, we deal with various research topics, which we investigate using different methods.
Topics
Geothermal Play Typing
Heat transport mechanisms divide geothermal plays in convection and conduction dominated. With the play type concept, we invented a methodology to recognize, investigate and qualify geological features, which control heat transport and placement of geothermal resources. The resources assessment involves not only the geological-technical potential related to the wide range of geothermal technologies but also the social-technical potential analyzing land access, energy demand and infrastructure. From this perspective our geothermal research addresses also the potential and effects of energy storage in geothermal systems.Energy Transition Stadium
The greatest challenge in the modern operation of sports facilities is the sustainable supply of heating and cooling through renewable energies. At the same time, this also represents the greatest innovation potential for sports facilities. Geothermal energy can be a key technology for the heating and cooling supply of sports facilities, both in stadium modernization and in new stadium construction, as well as in district solutions that require collaboration between clubs and municipalities. We examine the overall heat demand of open-air sports facilities in Germany, the modernization status of these facilities and the associated greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the general and site-specific potential of geothermal technologies for a sustainable and efficient heating and cooling supply.Geothermal potential for breweries
Similar to sports arenas, the greatest innovation potential of beer breweries lies in sustainable and efficient heating and cooling. Unlike sports facilities, however, the brewery is a cultural asset that has grown over centuries. The energetic transformation of beer breweries is therefore particularly sensitive. While the major energy requirement of breweries is in the heating sector, the constant energy requirement is in the cooling sector. Heat and cold can be provided by geothermal energy. Together with the Einbecker Brauhaus, we are investigating the geothermal potential of near-surface geothermal energy, including innovative solutions.Methods
Structural geological methods
- Fault plane analysis analog in field and digital in 3D models
- Stress field analysis with slip and dilation tendency analysis
- Fracture pattern analysis analog in field and digital by borehole geophysics
