Students will be provided with basics of geology, hydrogeology, and applied geophysics to understand the phases of characterization of geothermal reservoirs (extension, feeding, temperatures, extractable fluid flow rates). Different types of geothermal reservoirs (dominant steam, dry steam, wet steam, and dominant liquid; hot dry rock reservoirs, and enhanced geothermal systems) and geothermal plant types (dry steam, flash, binary) will be presented. Regarding plant types, the focus will be on binary plants and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbines, applicable in a greater number of sites. Additionally, the potential for reusing depleted oil & gas wells for geothermal purposes will be discussed. Simplified calculation models will be presented for a preliminary techno-economic feasibility assessment of a geothermal power plant. Flow and heat transport equations in porous and fractured media will be explained, highlighting aspects that mostly affect geothermal reservoirs and their exploitation. Basic elements of numerical modelling of high-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs will be addressed. This part of the course will have a practical application in teaching the finite element code FEFLOW for coupled simulation of flow and heat transport, aimed at evaluating geothermal well fields. Finally, the most significant environmental impacts of geothermal plants, particularly subsidence, will be addressed. Students will be actively involved in team work on a techno-economic feasibility assessment of a geothermal plant, based on characterization data of a geothermal reservoir. The team work, based on the acquired knowledge, will also include a simulation of the well field.

Detailed program