Planning, Bidding, and Project Management
From Energy Requirements to System Design
Project Structure Instead of a Standard Template
The design of a Geo-HEP system must be tailored to the specific project organization. Whether it involves a new construction, the modernization of an existing facility, industrial process cooling, or integration into an existing heat supply system, each scenario places different demands on planning and implementation.
For this reason, the system configuration, interfaces, and contracting structure are tailored to each specific project.
Geo-HEP systems are not designed according to a rigid, standard template. The technical solution is tailored to the energy requirements, the existing plant infrastructure, the site conditions, and the specific project structure.
From Energy Demand to System Design
The process begins with the technical requirements: What cooling and heating capacities are needed, when are they required, and what existing technology should be integrated? This information is combined with the geological and hydrogeological site data.
- Required heating and cooling capacity
- Operating hours and temporal variation of loads
- Required temperature levels
- Existing heating, cooling, and system components
- Geological and hydrogeological site conditions
- Permissible drilling depth and available land area
- Regulatory framework
Based on this comprehensive assessment, the potential output per high-performance energy pile and the number of energy piles required for the project are determined.
Consider Interfaces Early On
A Geo-HEP project integrates multiple planning disciplines. Geology and hydrogeology, drilling, system hydraulics, measurement, control, and regulation technology, as well as heat pump or cooling systems where applicable, must be considered within a coordinated overall concept.
Which disciplines and interfaces are required in a specific project depends on the particular application and the existing infrastructure.
Flexible Bidding and Contracting
Under the current project approach, the Geo-HEP system can be put out to bid and awarded as a complete package or in individual trade lots, depending on the project structure. This allows implementation to be adapted to different planning, contracting, and construction processes.
The specific allocation of services and responsibilities is determined on a project-by-project basis.
Integrate Permitting Early in the Planning Process
Site-specific permitting issues should not be addressed only immediately before implementation. Particularly in water protection areas or where groundwater conditions are complex, it is advisable to coordinate with the relevant water authority at an early stage.
Evaluating Technology and Cost-Effectiveness Together
The technically feasible solution is only one part of the project decision. Operating hours, historical energy consumption, pump energy, investment costs, maintenance and repair costs, as well as potential subsidies, are all factored into the project-specific economic analysis.
Compile the Right Project Data Early On
The sooner energy demand, existing facilities, site conditions, and regulatory requirements are known, the more effectively a Geo-HEP project can be designed and structured.