MSc topic
Datum van uitgifte: August 2014
Watermanagement
Organising ATES-systems in Dutch cities
Keywords: Groundwater, ATES, energy, heat, cold, Modflow modeling, organization / management
Section: Hydrology
Summary
Despite several problems/challenges with its application
Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) is a rapidly growing
technique in the Netherlands. In urban areas the subsurface is
really busy, which enables interaction between different ATES
systems. Based on design figures these interactions are very
probable to occur. With so-called ‘master plans’ it is tried to
eliminate negative interactions and organize these systems in
order to achieve optimal use of the subsurface. Since the
development of plans and energy (and with that the
subsurface) use is not very predictable, the validity of these
master plans is limited. We now want to look how we can
improve master planning with less rigid rules during operation.
Let subsurface space be dependent on actual use. Would that
be possible and would that improve optimal use of the limited
subsurface space?
The subsurface space available for ATES is limited, especially in
urban areas. So to be able to control interaction/interference
between different ATES-systems it is of importance to know what
happens with the heat and cold outside the well.
With master plans these systems are organized and planned in an
attempt to use the subsurface as optimal as possible. The problem
however with master plans is that they are made, based on
expected developments and expected energy demand.
Developments change and energy demand is very hard to predict.
So why organize and arrange the use of the subsurface in static
plans based on boundary conditions which are likely to change? In
previous research we already found ways to improve the way of
making master plans to take into account the uncertain boundary
conditions. Now we want to take it a step further: can we make
rules for use of the subsurface that are flexible and allow users to
change the operation of their ATES system accordingly to actual
available space and energy demand?
Objective
The objective is to study the way master plans are made, how
they function in reality, how these plans can be made more
flexible by making them less rigid for individual users and which
(type of) arrangement are required to optimize energy use during
operation.
We want to take the process of master planning a step further to
both planning and controlling; Master plan & control.
Requirements for student
You are well aware of different processes in the field of thermo
dynamics and (geo)hydrology and have knowledge about
technical aspects related to groundwater wells. Next to this
technical knowledge you must have affinity with legislational
aspects about groundwater use. Your practical and socials skills
must be good to be able to retrieve data and information from
different parties. Your analytic skills must be good as well since
you will gather a lot of data which ahs to interpreted and put to
use in predicting temperature distribution around the well and/or
in time.
Introduction and problem statement
Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage is an increasingly popular
technique [Tasforce WKO,2009]. Many governmental
organizations and private companies have set high targets in
avoiding CO2 emissions and reducing energy. ATES can help to
meet these targets [SER, 2013]. But ATES is a relatively new
Foreign students are welcome, but they must be aware that most
technique which needs a transition to maturity.
of the background information, legislation and literature is in
Dutch, which may delay your progress significantly.
Supervision:
More information:
Martin Bloemendal
Theo Olsthoorn
Martin Bloemendal
Kamer: 4.76
E: j.m.bloemendal@tudelft.nl