The course is focused on the various types of exploitation of the geothermal resource as renewable: electricity production, direct use and ground heat exchange for heating and cooling (gothermal heat pumps).

Terrestrial Heat Flux and possible usages. Fluids geochemistry: basic concepts (chemical composition, weathering and classification of waters, stable isotopes). Geothermal energy in the context of renewables. Types and characters of medium and high enthalpy geothermal systems in different tectonic and geodynamic contexts. Resources and reserves, UNFC 2022 classification of the geothermal fields, reinjection. Main exploration techniques for geothermal fields. Hydrothermal and volcanic fluids (gases and waters) and their role in the development of high-temperature geothermal fields. Hints on geothermometry. Hydrothermal alteration. Geothermal drillings and well test. Types and functioning of the geothermal power plants for energy production. Corrosion and scaling. Environmental benefits and possible impact of exploration and exploitation activities; mitigating actions. Examples of Italian and South America exploited geothermal systems. Fieldtrip and visit to the italian geothermal plant of Larderello.

Low temperature geothermal systems. Geothermal direct uses: swimming pools and wellness centers, greenhouses, agricultural production, fish farming and aquaculture, snow melting, and various industrial processes. Geothermal heat pump systems with closed- and open-loop circuit; Italian, European and World situation; regulation. Geotechnical, thermal and hydrogeological investigation of the soil in the field and in the laboratory; thermal response test; worksite; monitoring. Benefits and environmental impacts. Examples of plants in operation for heating and cooling with geothermal heat pumps.

No bridging courses.

The student will aquire a critical knowledge on the whole spectrum of use of the geothermal energy, in particular for understanding, applying knowledge, making judgements, communication and learning skills.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Seminar activities and insights given by researchers of the University of Urbino or other universities or research centers will be provided as well as experience activities at geothermal plants for (i) electricity production and (ii) air conditioning production with closed-loop borehole heat exchangers coupled with heat pumps.

Teaching

Lectures, practical activities on specific software, geological fieldtrip in selected italian geothermal areas and visit to plants for air conditioning through closed-loop borehole heat exchangers coupled with geothermal heat pumps.

Innovative teaching methods

Attendance

Attendance is suggested. The practical activities are also comprised for the final knowledge.

Course books

Files of the lessons given to the students and available at Moodle › blended.uniurb.it

Suggested textbooks:

Adele Manzella, Carlo Ungarelli (2011) La Geotermia – L’energia sotto i nostri piedi. Società editrice il Mulino.

Kenneth Wohletz, Grant Heiken (1992) Volcanology and Geothermal Energy, University of California Press, 432 pp. 

Beniamino Toro, Tania Ruspandini (2009) Geotermia, Aspetti geologici – Ricerca – Utilizzazione. Collana SIGEA di geologia ambientale, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 119 pp. 

Francesco Tinti (2008) Geotermia per la climatizzazione. Dario Flaccovio Editore, 209 pp.

Assessment

Oral examination is structured to improve the knowledge of the students concerning fundamental concepts, technical procedures, command of the specific language, appropriate claim on the issues and challenges. The oral examination is evaluated in thirtieths.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Course books

Files of the lessons given to the students and available at Moodle › blended.uniurb.it

Suggested textbooks:

Adele Manzella, Carlo Ungarelli (2011) La Geotermia – L’energia sotto i nostri piedi. Società editrice il Mulino.

Kenneth Wohletz, Grant Heiken (1992) Volcanology and Geothermal Energy, University of California Press, 432 pp. 

Beniamino Toro, Tania Ruspandini (2009) Geotermia, Aspetti geologici – Ricerca – Utilizzazione. Collana SIGEA di geologia ambientale, Dario Flaccovio Editore, 119 pp. 

Francesco Tinti (2008) Geotermia per la climatizzazione. Dario Flaccovio Editore, 209 pp.

Assessment

Oral examination is structured to improve the knowledge of the students concerning fundamental concepts, technical procedures, command of the specific language, appropriate claim on the issues and challenges. The oral examination is evaluated in thirtieths.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.