An investigation of the potential thermal energy of geothermal tunnels with focus on a case study in Stuttgart, Germany

Abstract

Shallowsurface geothermal energy is an essential contribution to the base load of heating energy. The thermal activation of tunnels is an interesting alternative and an economically appropriate supplement of the present hybrid systems in the field of ground engineering. An essential difference between the tunnel absorber and structures such as activated piles and diaphragm wall elements is the use of heat fluxes from the earth, as well as from the inside of the tunnel. Due to this circumstance, the tunnel absorber is assigned to the group of the duo hybrid systems. The tunnel air temperature is essential for the heat flux inside the tunnel. Stuttgart Fasanenhof and Jenbach are two geothermal..