Micro drilling turbines improve efficiency of geothermal systems

The micro drilling turbine with a diamond drill bit is only 10 centimeters long and has a diameter of 3.6 centimeters. When drilling, it rotates at up to 80,000 revolutions per minute.

Geothermal systems are becoming an increasingly important source of clean and, above all, baseload-capable energy. But the wells, which can be several thousand meters deep, are risky, and things can sometimes go wrong. Fraunhofer scientists have now developed an innovative tool that enables additional branches to be drilled off of the main well. This decreases the risk of dry boreholes and improves the output.

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