This month marks a major milestone with the installation of the 'heart' of our plant: the Electrical Submersible Pump, or ESP. Under the supervision of Gaia Energy, the 'arteries' of our system—the production and injection wells—have been fully prepared over recent months for the actual delivery of heat to the TU Delft Campus and DUWO student housing.
This project is unique within Europe thanks to three key innovations that elevate the performance, efficiency, and reliability of Delft’s new geothermal plant to a higher level:
1 Full smart monitoring along the entire geothermal well
As part of its research programme, TU Delft commissioned Gaia Energy to install a specialised fibre-optic cable spanning 2 x 3 kilometres.
A European First: This steel-reinforced DTS/DAS cable continuously measures temperature and acoustics along the entire length of the well. This comprehensive monitoring provides TU Delft researchers with an unprecedented, detailed view of well dynamics. These insights will be used to further improve the efficiency of geothermal extraction.
2 An innovative 'Heart': A more powerful, greener pump
The core of the installation is the ESP, which pumps the hot water up from the depths.
A European First: For the first time in Europe, a hybrid Permanent Magnet Motor has been installed. This new type of motor combines the advantages of traditional induction technology with a permanent magnet. We expect this to provide more flexible pumping power with lower energy consumption, ultimately benefiting both CO2 performance and the system's operational lifespan.
3 In-depth research by TU Delft
In collaboration with TU Delft and Baker Hughes, an intensive five-day data acquisition programme has been completed. Various baseline measurements were conducted, for instance, to determine the exact effects of re-injecting cooled water. By performing these tests now, researchers can gather maximum long-term data on the subsurface throughout the project's entire lifecycle.
These steps perfectly demonstrate the unique character of Geothermie Delft: the large-scale delivery of sustainable heat to the residents of Delft, combined with the acquisition of unique scientific knowledge. This expertise will soon be applied to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable heat from the subsurface in other locations as well.
