Recent  

In this study, a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) model is implemented to simulate the processes of heat extraction, reservoir deformation, and groundwater flow in the fractured rock reservoir. The results show that the growth of the number and spacing of fracture zones can effectively decrease the pore pressure difference between injection and abstraction wells; it also increases the production temperature at the abstraction, the service life-spans, and total heat production rate.

This study focuses on the comparison of different solar radiation pressure (SRP) strategies combined with a-priori information and empirical SRP parameterization. Analysis of precise orbits as well as estimated empirical SRP parameters based on various SRP strategies shows visible differences and indicates the deficiencies of a-priori model or empirical parameterization. The orbit difference patterns presented in this study may give the view on how to improve the current SRP models.

Mineral precipitation in filters and heat exchangers can impede geothermal plant operation and cause expensive losses of efficiency. To prevent scaling a biodegradable inhibitor has been applied in a geothermal plant. Water monitoring revealed no significant chemical changes, but an adaption of the microbial community as well as a higher abundance of Bacteria after heat extraction. Laboratory experiments under anaerobic conditions showed that the inhibitor can be almost completely metabolized.

We simulate the deformation of Somma-Vesuvius volcano due to some overpressure sources by means of a finite element 3D code. The goal of these simulations is to investigate the influence of topography and structural heterogeneity on ground deformation. The results suggest that they are key factors governing the ground deformation. Our study clearly demonstrate that a better knowledge of deformation patterns can significantly help in the design of an efficient geodetic network.

In our study, we investigate the variability of potential offshore wind power over Europe on time scales of more than 10 years. Detailed spectral analysis of potential offshore wind power capacities over the last century indicates a strong coupling to large climate patterns such as the NAO. Furthermore, combining the wind power potential at the German North Sea and the Portuguese Atlantic coast shows that the variability can be mitigated.