Geothermal resource development
Summary
This course provides an overview of the geothermal energy sector, spanning core topics of geology, thermodynamics, hydrogeology, and geochemistry and tackles questions of geothermal resource exploration, assessment, exploitation, economics, and environmental, and societal considerations.
Content
The objective of this course is to provide students with an overview of the geothermal energy sector, from fundamental basics to resource exploration, assessment, exploitation, and economic/environmental/societal consequences.
The course is divided into three main parts:
In the first part, we review key concepts in geology, thermodynamics, hydrogeology, and geochemistry, contextualised to geothermal systems.
In the second part of the course, we address resource exploration, assessment, and exploitation. Students will apply the general knowledge gained in the first part of the course to understand how we search for and identify geothermal resources. Students will learn how heat and energy availability are assessed. The course will also offer an overview of exploitation techniques.
In the third part of the course, we will focus on specific methods and challenges particular to a selection of geothermal type systems, including enhanced geothermal systems. The course ends by considering the economic, environmental, and societal implications and challenges associated with geothermal energy implementation.
Keywords
Geothermal energy
Renewable energy
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
PHYS-106 General physics: thermodynamics
CH-160 General chemistry
Recommended courses
CIVIL-308 Rock mechanics
CIVIL-209 Urban thermodynamics
ENV-221 Hydrology for engineers
CIVIL-211 Geology
Important concepts to start the course
-
- First Law of Thermodynamics
- Second Law of Thermodynamics
- Gibbs function / Gibbs energy
- Introductory inorganic chemistry
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Explain key scientific and practical aspects associated with the geothermal energy sector
- Choose appropriate techniques for geothermal resource assessment
- Perform resource assessment
- Propose resource exploitation plans
- Anticipate environmental and societal consequence of geothermal projects
Transversal skills
- Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
- Take feedback (critique) and respond in an appropriate manner.
Teaching methods
Lectures and bi-weekly assignments
Expected student activities
Bi-weekly assignments, oral exam
Assessment methods
Bi-weekly assignments (50%), oral exam (50%)
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
Resources
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
No
Notes/Handbook
Geothermal Energy Second Edition: Renewable Energy and the Environment, by William E. Glassley
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Geothermal resource development
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Geothermal resource development
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Geothermal resource development
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional