541-0580/06 – Geothermal Energy (GE)
| Gurantor department | Department of Geological Engineering | Credits | 5 |
| Subject guarantor | doc. Ing. Antonín Kunz, Ph.D. | Subject version guarantor | doc. Ing. Antonín Kunz, Ph.D. |
| Study level | undergraduate or graduate | | |
| | Study language | English |
| Year of introduction | 2019/2020 | Year of cancellation | |
| Intended for the faculties | HGF | Intended for study types | Follow-up Master |
Subject aims expressed by acquired skills and competences
Possibilities of using geothermal energy, types of geothermal systems and methods of using their energy, hydrothermal systems, geopressure systems, hot dry rock systems, magmatic systems, research and methodology for searching for geothermal systems, occurrence and distribution of geothermal resources abroad and in the Czech Republic, geothermal energy and the natural environment, equipping geothermal extraction wells, techniques and technologies for low-temperature areas, economic evaluation of the performance of heat pumps.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Individual consultations
Tutorials
Field trip
Teaching by an expert (lecture or tutorial)
Summary
The course Geothermal Energy provides a comprehensive overview of the possibilities for utilizing heat energy from the Earth's interior. It covers the classification and principles of geothermal systems (hydrothermal, geopressured, magmatic, and hot dry rock systems – HDR/EGS), exploration methodologies, technical aspects of production well completion, low-temperature technologies, and economic evaluations of heat pump performance. Special emphasis is placed on the distribution of geothermal resources in the Czech Republic and abroad, as well as the assessment of environmental impacts resulting from their exploitation.
Professional Knowledge
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to explain and critically assess the operating principles of various types of geothermal systems (hydrothermal, geopressured, magmatic, and hot dry rock systems), exploration methodologies, production well completion technology, low-temperature applications, and the environmental impact of geothermal energy utilization.
Professional Skills
Upon completing the course, the student will analyze the geological and hydrogeological conditions of a target site, propose a suitable type of geothermal system along with its technical completion method, select and justify the optimal energy extraction technology (including low-temperature applications), and evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of the proposed solution.
General Competencies
The student will be able to make independent and responsible decisions when designing and implementing geothermal projects under new or changing geological and legislative conditions, coordinate partial team tasks, professionally defend the chosen geothermal system option before a technical audience, and consider the environmental, ethical, and socioeconomic consequences of its operation.
Compulsory literature:
Recommended literature:
TREVOR M. LETCHER: Future Energy - Improved, Sustainable and Clean Options our Planet. Elsevier, Netherlands, 2008.
DIPIPPO, R.: Geothermal Power Plants - Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact (4th Edition). Elsevier, 2016.
ZEKTSER, IGOR S. EVERETT, LORNE G.: Ground Water Resources of the World and Their Use. National Ground Water Association, 2006.
BREEZE, P.: Power Generation Technologies (2nd Edition). Elsevier, 2014.
Additional study materials
Way of continuous check of knowledge in the course of semester
Active attendance at the lectures. Active attendance at the seminars. Ad hoc presentation as a part of the seminar. Individual or team Seminar paper. Participation in the excursion. Awarding of credit. Examination.
E-learning
E-learning as a part of the lessons is possible.
Other requirements
The compulsory attendance at the seminars min. 75% per semester. Oral exam with the written preparation.
Prerequisities
Subject has no prerequisities.
Co-requisities
Subject has no co-requisities.
Subject syllabus:
Introduction to the geothermal energy
2. Geothermal systems and an overview of the methods of their utilisation
3. Exploration of the geothermal energy resources
4. Overview of the geothermal resources in the Czech Republic and in the world
5. Drilling and completion of geothermal boreholes
6. Ground source heat pumps
7. Design of the primary borehole exchangers
8. Underground thermal energy storage
9. Design of the geothermal systems
10. Management of the geothermal projects
11. Legal, environmental and risks aspects of the geothermal projects
12. Research and development of the low potential geothermal energy
13. Case study I
14. Case study II
Conditions for subject completion
Occurrence in study plans
Occurrence in special blocks
Assessment of instruction