Potential Analysis and Feasibility Study on the Hydrothermal Utilization of Rivers—Using Marburg on the Lahn River as Case Study

Abstract

Due to their high specific heat capacity and constant thermal regeneration through flow, rivers are a promising renewable environmental heat source. The suitability of a river for hydrothermal use depends on river section-specific and site-specific factors. This paper presents a methodological proposal for a river section-specific potential analysis and site-specific feasibility study. The presentation of measured values in the form of hydrographs and duration curves as well as the use of suitable mean values and confidence intervals are central steps in the evaluation. The application of the potential analysis showed that the discharge in particular influences the size of the heat potential, while the water temperature determines whether and how the hydrothermal use is possible. The focus of this work was on the analysis of water temperature. Its significance for hydro-thermal use is multi-layered, and an assessment should be carried out at different levels. Using two specific sites on the Lahn river as a case study, the feasibility study method is demonstrated in this paper.