Geothermal energy
Use of the subsoil for heating and cooling

Geothermal energy can be integrated into the energy supply of buildings as part of construction and property projects. The subsoil serves as both a source and a store of thermal energy. When combined with heat pump technologies, geothermal systems can be used to provide both heating and cooling.

Encyclopedia: Geothermal energy

General Application Advantages Basics Design Variations

Geothermal energy
Systems for property and buildings

The use of near-surface geothermal energy can be integrated into the energy supply of buildings. The subsoil serves as both a source and a store of thermal energy.

In combination with heat pump technologies, geothermal systems can provide heating and cooling for buildings. The technical design and feasibility depend on the geological, hydrological, regulatory and planning conditions at the respective site.

PORR designs and installs geothermal systems with drilling depths of up to 400 metres. The selection and sizing of these systems take into account the specific site conditions as well as technical, economic and project-specific requirements.

Technical brochure
Geothermal energy

Technische Broschuere Geothermie
Geothermal energy (only available in German)
PDF

Application

PORR plans and builds a range of geothermal systems from a single source to meet various project requirements:

  • Deep and ground probes alongside and beneath buildings
  • Activated concrete elements in contact with the ground
  • Energy diaphragm walls
  • Energy piles
  • Activated floor slabs
  • Thermal groundwater utilisation with extraction and infiltration wells


In addition to the construction of geothermal systems, PORR provides, on request, planning services, preliminary surveys as well as support with the necessary regulatory procedures. Depending on the project requirements, support is provided from the preliminary planning stage right through to commissioning.

Benefits / Features

  • Energy source: Use of the subsoil as a source and storage medium for thermal energy
  • Area of application: Provision of heating and cooling in combination with heat pump systems
  • Site-specific considerations: Design taking into account geological, hydrological and planning conditions
  • System integration: Integration into site-specific energy and building concepts
  • Project management: Planning and execution of special civil engineering and geothermal works within the project context

Basics
Standards and Regulations

  • Execution in compliance with DVGW worksheet W 120-2 for geothermal energy
  • DIN 18301 - Drilling work
  • VDI 4640 - Thermal use of the subsurface
  • Execution according to project-specific procedural instructions
  • All processes adhere to the DIN EN ISO 9001 certified quality management system of PORR Special Civil Engineering GmbH
  • Standard excavation diameters are 152/127 mm and 168/140 mm

Quality Assurance can be maintained by

  • Preparing drilling logs during the entire drilling process
  • Retaining samples of the drill cuttings and the grouting suspension
  • Conducting pressure and flow tests

Design variants

We implement the following design variants:

  • Drilling using hollow augers
  • Direct fluid flushing drilling (water with flushing additive agents)
  • Hammer drilling with air flushing