After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

• describe different ways of using geothermal energy,
• estimate the energy demand of buildings,
• define the required investigations to determine parameters for the design of geothermal systems,
• calculate and design borehole heat exchangers,
• explain the direct use of groundwater, energy piles and ohter energy geostructures.

The course covers the following main topics:

• Fundamentals, history and legal aspects of geothermal energy use,
• system technology, demand assessment, monitoring,
• thermal properties of soils,
• calculation, design and dimensioning of borehole heat exchangers,
• direct groundwater utilization,
• energy piles,
• energy geostructures.

The basics are taught in the first units in the form of lectures.

The calculation, design and dimensioning of borehole heat exchanger systems is carried out in joint exercise units on the students' own laptops.

The direct use of groundwater, energy piles and other energy geostructures are explained in lectures on practical examples and current research work.

Homework on a fictitious project for the use of geothermal energy by means of borehole heat exchangers.

Presentation of the project and subsequent oral examination on the contents of the course. An alternative date will be offered for this part of the examination.