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Start of funding 01.07.2023

Examination of large-scale geothermal collector systems with low temperature district heating and cooling networks for renewable heating and cooling in california

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Low-temperature district heating and cooling networks (5GDHC) that utilize large-scale geothermal collector systems have already proven their significant contribution to renewable heating and cooling energy in entire urban districts in Germany. This potential and efficiency have been confirmed by monitoring and research on several plants of varying sizes. Additionally, the DELPHIN simulation software for modelling these applications has been validated in recent years.

To deploy 5GDHC combined with large-scale collector systems outside Central Europe, we must examine the adaptation of these systems on a global scale for different climatic regions. Depending on the climatic conditions and typical building requirements, both regenerative heating and cooling needs can be met.

The goal of the collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is to determine the appropriate framework for using 5GDHC with large-scale collector systems as a sustainable energy source for heating and cooling in different regions of California. This will enable initial project proposals for potential pilot sites to be determined. The results will subsequently be transferable to other sites with similar conditions.

Final report:
Large-scale geothermal collector systems with low temperature district heating and cooling networks have already demonstrated their significant contribution to the renewable heating and cooling for entire neighbourhoods in Germany. In collaboration with the globally renowned Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the application of these systems at three locations on the U.S. West Coast in California and Oregon was analysed.

Scientific investigations revealed that large-scale geothermal collector systems can operate very efficiently in those U.S. west coast climate conditions and contribute significantly to C0₂ reduction in residential heating and cooling sector. In addition with the use of heat pumps the U.S. government's goal of sector coupling and electrification of the heating and cooling sectors is achieved. However, the significant differences in electricity and gas prices among the states do have a major impact on the economic viability of these systems. Governmental subsidies, such as the introduction of reduced electricity prices for the use of heat pumps, may be needed.