Course description
In the field of renewable energies, the course is devoted to the geothermal resources. The program will highlight the origin and dynamics of geothermal resources and fluids and the main exploration and exploitation technologies aimed to their use. It will consider both high and low enthalpy systems in terms of origin, behavior, potential and real uses, environmental and economic benefits and impacts.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students should know the main principles related to high and low enthalpy geothermal energy systems, the main techniques of the geothermal exploration and the technologies for their exploitation in several environmental, territorial and geological contexts. Through practical exercises and field trips students will be involved in the processes of resources estimation and in the design and sizing of the geothermal plants.
Pre-requirements
Intermediate knowledge of the main natural physical phenomena, fundamental of math and fundamental bases of energy plants.
Course topics
INTRODUCTION TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Fundamentals of geology, the structure of the Earth, origin of geothermal resources, geothermal gradient and geothermal anomalies, the thermal properties of the ground, field methods to assess ground thermal properties. Geothermal exploration techniques.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HYDROGEOLOGY
Introduction to groundwater and hydrodynamics in porous media. Water wells and wells design. Unsaturated zone and aquifers properties. Heat propagation in the aquifers.
LOW ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Open-loop geothermal systems. Closed-loop geothermal systems. Thermal Response Test, Heat pumps and plants. Legal, technical and economic elements. Sustainability and assessment of resources. Environmental impact and implementation with particular focus on urban areas.
HIGH ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Geothermal reservoirs (water and vapour dominated geothermal systems, hot dry rock systems). Deep geothermal exploration techniques. Uses of high enthalpy geothermal systems. Estimation, sustainability and environmental impact. Economic highlights in the energy world market.
Additional information
Course structure
- Lessons
- Numerical exercises on open and closed-loop systems
- Field trips:
1) Low enthalpy geothermal power plant in Padua (Ex Geriatrico Hospital)
2) High enthalpy geothermal power plants in Larderello, Italy.
3) Underground thermal energy storage in Trento
Reading materials
Teacher slides. These are the base for the exam.
Suggested books:
- David Banks, An Introduction to Thermogeology: Ground Source Heating and Cooling, 2nd Edition. Wiley. ISBN: 978-0-470-67034-7
- Ronald DiPippo, Geothermal Power Plants (3rd Edition) Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact. Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-08-098206-9
Assessment and grading criteria for ONSITE exam
Exam: Powerpoint presentation on personal geotehrmal project and discussions;
NB.
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have bee agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.
In the field of renewable energies, the course is devoted to the geothermal resources. The program will highlight the origin and dynamics of geothermal resources and fluids and the main exploration and exploitation technologies aimed to their use. It will consider both high and low enthalpy systems in terms of origin, behavior, potential and real uses, environmental and economic benefits and impacts.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students should know the main principles related to high and low enthalpy geothermal energy systems, the main techniques of the geothermal exploration and the technologies for their exploitation in several environmental, territorial and geological contexts. Through practical exercises and field trips students will be involved in the processes of resources estimation and in the design and sizing of the geothermal plants.
Pre-requirements
Intermediate knowledge of the main natural physical phenomena, fundamental of math and fundamental bases of energy plants.
Course topics
INTRODUCTION TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Fundamentals of geology, the structure of the Earth, origin of geothermal resources, geothermal gradient and geothermal anomalies, the thermal properties of the ground, field methods to assess ground thermal properties. Geothermal exploration techniques.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HYDROGEOLOGY
Introduction to groundwater and hydrodynamics in porous media. Water wells and wells design. Unsaturated zone and aquifers properties. Heat propagation in the aquifers.
LOW ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Open-loop geothermal systems. Closed-loop geothermal systems. Thermal Response Test, Heat pumps and plants. Legal, technical and economic elements. Sustainability and assessment of resources. Environmental impact and implementation with particular focus on urban areas.
HIGH ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM
Geothermal reservoirs (water and vapour dominated geothermal systems, hot dry rock systems). Deep geothermal exploration techniques. Uses of high enthalpy geothermal systems. Estimation, sustainability and environmental impact. Economic highlights in the energy world market.
Additional information
Course structure
- Lessons
- Numerical exercises on open and closed-loop systems
- Field trips:
1) Low enthalpy geothermal power plant in Padua (Ex Geriatrico Hospital)
2) High enthalpy geothermal power plants in Larderello, Italy.
3) Underground thermal energy storage in Trento
Reading materials
Teacher slides. These are the base for the exam.
Suggested books:
- David Banks, An Introduction to Thermogeology: Ground Source Heating and Cooling, 2nd Edition. Wiley. ISBN: 978-0-470-67034-7
- Ronald DiPippo, Geothermal Power Plants (3rd Edition) Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact. Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-08-098206-9
Assessment and grading criteria for ONSITE exam
Exam: Powerpoint presentation on personal geotehrmal project and discussions;
NB.
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have bee agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.
- Docente: Antonio Galgaro