An environmental information system for the exploration of energy systems

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Karsten Rink - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Özgür Ozan Şen - , Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)
  • Malte Schwanebeck - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Tim Hartmann - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Firdovsi Gasanzade - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Johannes Nordbeck - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Sebastian Bauer - , Kiel University (Author)
  • Olaf Kolditz - , Chair of Applied Environmental Systems Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Author)

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources requires extensive changes to the energy system infrastructure, ranging from individual households to the national scale. During this transition, stakeholders must be able to make informed decisions, researchers need to investigate possible options and analyse scenarios, and the public should be informed about developments and options for future infrastructure. The data and parameters required for this are manifold and it is often difficult to create an overview of the current situation for a region of interest. We propose an environmental information system for the visualisation and exploration of large collections of heterogeneous data in the scope of energy system infrastructure and subsurface geological energy storage technologies. Based on the study area of Schleswig-Holstein, a federal state in Germany, we have set up a virtual geographic environment integrating GIS data, topographical models, subsurface information, and simulation results. The resulting application allows users to explore data collection within a unified context in 3D space, interact with datasets, and watch animations of selected simulation scenarios to gain a better understanding of the complex interactions of processes and datasets. Based on the cross-platform game engine Unity, our framework can be used on regular PCs, head-mounted displays, and virtual reality environments and can support domain scientists during assessment and exploration of the data, encourages discussions and is an effective means for outreach activities and presentations for stakeholders or the interested public.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number4
JournalGeothermal energy
Volume10
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • ATES, CAES, Energy storage, Energy system infrastructure, Heat demand density, Knowledge transfer, Scientific visualisation