Direct Use of Geothermal Energy

Scope: Due to the growing interest in sustainable energy production, this course presents the fundamentals of geothermal resource exploitation. Students will gain a general understanding of what a geothermal resource is and of the basic steps in their economic exploitation, including lifetime analysis, characterization of a geothermal reservoir, reservoir engineering and system design, basics of the operation and maintenance of geothermal systems, and geothermal field management, as well as some environmental aspects.

Contents:

- Introduction to geothermal energy

- Geology and geomechanics

- Reservoir characterization

- Design of a geothermal system

- Geothermal reservoir engineering

- Numerical modeling of geothermal doublets

- Techno-economic assessment of geothermal systems

- Homework (formative)

- Written exam (summative, 25% of final grade)

- Group work (75% of final grade):

- Group presentation (summative 25% of final grade)

- Group report (summative 50% of final grade)

In case of an insufficient final result, repair options may exist in accordance with Article 17A, Times and number of examinations, sub 1, of the Teaching and Examination Regulations, for all assessments:

- Written exam: resit exam

- Group presentation: group presentation

- Group report: group report

Disclaimer: information may change depending on unforeseen circumstances or measures (see: TER Art 2, sub 5).