RGES Platform
Rototec has developed the Rototec Geothermal Energy Systems (RGES) platform, which is an operational framework of best business practices and streamlined processes and optimised drilling machinery. Additionally we use a tailored, web based ERP software, to optimise the use of our resources and to ensure a high quality and timely delivery of geothermal energy systems.
The RGES Platform covers all the services that Rototec provides from Thermal Response Tests (TRT) to Earth Energy Design (EED) and Down to Hole (DTH) processes. The RGES Platform can be utilised globally in Rototec operations.
The RGES Platform enables interoperability and flexibility of operations based on adoption of the latest technology and accumulated industry knowledge. Rototec has developed the RGES platform to ensure high quality, reliable performance through constant development of our geothermal energy system installation whilst aiming to continually improve cost effectiveness and profitability. Synchronicity is one of the hallmarks of the RGES platform. From the moment our TRT data is analysed, our EED process is already underway and our teams are already planning out DTH and the installation of the geothermal energy system. There are no lags or gaps in our approach to projects ensuring maximum efficiency at all times.
Additionally, the flexibility of our business model enables rapid growth with minimal risk. Rapid growth is possible due to the intensive utilisation of the RGES platform. By procuring independent subcontractors we operate at minimal risk and our operational flexibility enables us to move our drilling machinery to different markets where demand exists. If demand drops in one market, we can terminate the agreements with our independent contractors and offer them projects in other markets. The same approach applies to the flexible cross-border use of our drilling machinery.
The embedded technology and knowledge in the RGES platform strengthens the company and its profitability. The knowledge that we constantly acquire about geothermal energy, technology and industrial processes are always built in to the RGES platform. By building knowledge in the company we avoid being dependent on individuals.
The constant development of the RGES platform has made our geothermal energy systems the most up to date and most up to date in the industry. See below for an illustration of our business model:
Thermal Response Test (TRT)
A Thermal Response Test (TRT) is conducted in order to measure the thermal conductivity of the ground and allows our engineers to accurately predict the capacity of the ground to deliver and store adequate amounts of heating and cooling.
Data is collected over this time to determine the average thermal conductivity of the borehole. This is found by focusing on three parameters:
- Temperature - the average temperature difference in the bedrock along the hole.
- Conductivity – the bedrock’s ability to conduct heat along the length of the borehole
- Resistance – This is a measure of the barrier for heat transfer that exists between the fluid in the heat exchanger and the wall surrounding the rock.
The results of the test will determine the number of boreholes that will need to be drilled and how deep they will need to be in order to adequately provide the building with its heating and cooling needs. Additionally the TRT also provides valuable geological information about the properties of the ground such as the subterranean level, fissure zones, type of rock, ground pressure etc. This is data that Rototec uses to provide accurate quotes on the cost of drilling the entire energy field and installing the relevant infrastructure. This methodology forms part of the RGES platform. The company commissions independent contractors for TRT engineering work.
Earth Energy Design (EED)
Earth Energy Design (EED) is a heat exchanger design for borehole thermal storage. The calculation of the dimensioning number, geometric configuration, depth and spacing of the boreholes gives us a correctly sized design for the geothermal energy system. EED is built on entering a large number of relevant parameters. The parameters are gathered in the TRT phase.It is not only of importance that the geothermal energy system is optimally designed, but it is also very important that the design of the system is well integrated to the rest of the building in order to avoid energy leaks.We use professional resources in a systematic way that fits our RGES platform. The Company employs and uses independent contractors for EED engineering.
Down To Hole (DTH)
To build the ground connection to the heat pump, Rototec provides needed drilling of holes for the ground heat and installing collector pipes to transfer the heat to the heat pump. In a typical residential project there is one or two holes while in a larger commercial project there may be tens or even hundreds of holes.There are different ways to install the collector pipes, which carry the heat transfer fluid. For closed loop systems they are most commonly vertical loops, horizontal loops or slinky coils. There is also open loop systems that instead of using an antifreeze solution sealed inside the buried piping, uses an open loop system where water from a surface or underground source - such as a pond, lake or well are used as heat transfer fluid.Rototec only builds vertical loop systems. Vertical systems are slightly more expensive than horizontal systems, but in many cases the vertical system is the only option due to the small size of land lots. This is the reason why DTH technique faces higher market demand and also the reason for our specialization to the DTH technique. In order to gain energy from geothermal energy sources is one or more, 100-300 meters deep hole drilled into the ground. Then from the rock ground energy are extracted by lowering the temperature of it. This is achieved by using three closed systems - energy wells, heat pump and a water-based heating system. Rototec builds the closed system for the energy well.