Computational Methods in Geothermal Energy Master thesis for students of Energy Science and Engineering and Applied Geosciences Offered by the chair of Applied Geothermal Science and Technology Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287 Darmstadt, B2|02 In Germany, heating accounts for approximately 60 % of the end energy consumption in private households (AGEB, 2011). Consequently, there is an enormous potential for energy conservation in this sector. To exploit this potential, the use of borehole heat exchanger (BHE) systems has become increasingly popular in the past decades. Geothermal energy is a virtually infinite source. Advances in thermal enhancement of BHE materials, the progressing development of more efficient heat pumps and the reduction of Source: www.erdwaerme-infos.de CO2-emissions are the promising advantages of this technology. With the growing BHE market, there is an increasing demand for simulation tools and optimization techniques. The aim of this thesis is the development of a sub-routine simulating a double-U-BHE and its implementation into a larger project. Additionally the solution will have to be validated with field data and a commercial software. We are looking for a motivated and dedicated student with an affinity to programming who is eager to make a contribution to our efforts to develop a simulation and optimization tool for BHEs. MATLAB skills or at least the willingness to learn MATLAB are required. The candidate should have basic knowledge in the fields of geothermal science or thermodynamics. Also, the faculty requirements to take on a master thesis must be fulfilled. Interested students may contact Daniel Schulte ([email protected] or 06151 16-76078) References: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi) Öffentlichkeitsarbeit (2013), Energie in Deutschland Trends und Hintergründe zur Energieversorgung. http://www.erdwaerme-infos.de/energie/erdwaermesonden.php