DELPHIN as a Key Tool for Planning Large Collector Systems (LSC) – Robin Zeh’s Doctoral Research

Robin Zeh has completed his doctoral thesis 'Validierung der Simulationssoftware DELPHIN zur belastbaren Berechnung von geothermischen Großkollektoranlagen anhand der Messdaten realer Anlagen‘ with highest honors. The defense took place on December 17, 2024. Congratulations!

The doctoral thesis is witten in German. This is the translated title: Validation of the DELPHIN Simulation Software for Reliable Calculation of Large-scale Geothermal Collector Systems LSC Based on Real System Seasurement Data.

Large-scale geothermal collector systems (LSC) for cold district heating offer an innovative solution to sustainably supply entire urban districts with renewable heat. In his doctoral research, Robin Zeh successfully established the simulation tool DELPHIN as a reliable instrument for planning and calculating such systems, significantly improving planning and supply security.

By validating soil-physical models and simulation boundary conditions with real-world data – such as from large installations in Bad Nauheim and Wüstenrot – DELPHIN was shown to provide precise results. Modeling accuracies exceeding 90% confirm the reliability of its simulations, particularly in depicting geothermal behavior. The research also identifies opportunities to optimize and further develop the software to enhance its simulation accuracy. Additionally, scaling factors for transitioning from small to large collector systems were developed, laying the groundwork for a potential extension of VDI guideline 4640-2.

These findings mark a significant milestone in establishing DELPHIN as a standardized and reliable tool for planning large collector systems, contributing substantially to the energy transition and sustainable heat supply.

Robin Zeh's research was conducted as part of his academic activities at the Technischen Hochschule Nürnberg and the Technische Universität Dresden.