New Rapid Open-Source Simulation Tool for Deep Geothermal Borehole Design

A team of researchers from Applied Sciences University Göttingen in collaboration with researchers from Eurac Research, has unveiled a groundbreaking open-source simulation method designed to streamline the modeling of coaxial medium-deep and deep borehole heat exchanger systems (MDBHE and DBHE).

Unlike traditional shallow geothermal methods, these deeper systems deliver higher temperatures and increased heat extraction rates, all while minimizing surface area requirements—making them especially attractive for sustainable heat supply applications in tandem with ground-source heat pumps (GSHP).

Existing simulation tools for MDBHE and DBHE often struggle with either limited computational efficiency or lack of open-source access. To bridge this gap, the research team introduced a rapid modeling workflow using the open-source Python package “pygfunction” (v2.3.0). The tool features enhanced functionality, including an adjusted workflow that accepts the fluid inlet temperature as input and employs a weighted average to determine effective ground temperatures and thermophysical properties across stratified layers.

Extensive validation was carried out by comparing the simulation outcomes with 12 established models and experimental datasets. The tool demonstrated its ability to provide swift and reliable estimations of fluid temperatures and heat extraction rates for both single boreholes and small-bore fields—accommodating both homogeneous and heterogeneous geological conditions at depths ranging from 700 to 3,000 meters.

The method’s speed and practicality make it a powerful asset for GSHP performance evaluation, geothermal potential mapping, and district heating network design—empowering geologists, engineers, planners, and decision-makers alike.

“We developed a fast, open-source method (based on pygfunction) for 700–3000 m boreholes, validated against 12 references. The tool runs in just seconds, supporting ground-source heat pump pre-design and district heating planning” explains Amir M. Jodeiri, co-author of the study.

For more details, read the full scientific article published on the journal energies