---
title: "Information required for calculating the heat extraction capacity in accordance with VDI 4640 (geothermal energy)"
slug: howto-create-doc-ew-vdi4640
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  type: help
  code: ZC4MG5
  source_html: howto_create_doc_ew_vdi4640.html
links:
  related:
    - EUSVLR
  glossary:
    - JG8Z49
lang: en
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  generated_at: "2026-06-27T08:20:21.868911320Z"
---


# Information required to calculate the heat extraction capacity in accordance with VDI 4640 (geothermal energy)

![Drilling profile for a double-U geothermal probe](/assets/img/samples/de_bohrprofil_erdwaerme_komplett.png)
![Heat extraction capacity according to VDI 4640](/assets/img/samples/de_entzugsleistung_vdi4640_komplett.png)
![Entering the specific heat extraction rate per soil layer](/assets/img/screenshots/de_drillsite_demo01_geocoordinates_part03.png)
![Input screen for heat extraction rate with reference to VDI 4640](/assets/img/screenshots/de_drillsite_demo01_drill_log_part02.png)
![Location and layout of geothermal boreholes](/assets/img/samples/de_lage_komplett.png)

The data for the **calculation in accordance with VDI 4640** is derived from the **stratigraphic profile** of the respective borehole.

Data is entered for each individual soil layer. A **specific heat extraction rate** can be entered for each layer.

The data is maintained as follows:

- **Layer directory**: The geological layers are defined by depth intervals. Soil types and properties can be recorded for each layer.
- **Specific heat extraction rate**: A specific thermal heat extraction rate in W/m can be specified for each layer.
- **Automatic recommendation**: Based on the recorded soil composition, a recommendation in accordance with VDI 4640 is displayed. This serves as a guide for selecting suitable values.
- **Restriction on free text**: If the stratum description is entered exclusively as free text, no automatic assignment to the VDI recommendations can be made.
- **Annual full-load hours**: The selection of annual full-load hours is made separately and is taken into account in the calculation.

The overall assessment is derived from the combination of the individual layers along the borehole depth.