At the end of the course students should know the main principles related to low and high enthalpy geothermal energy systems, the main techniques of the geothermal exploration and the technologies for their exploitation in several environmental, territorial and geological contexts. Through practical exercises and field trips students will be involved in the processes of resources estimation and in the design and sizing of the geothermal plants.

Intermediate knowledge of the main natural physical phenomena, fundamentals of mathematics and thermal plants

INTRODUCTION TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY The Earth system, Earth internal structure, Continental drift, Plate tectonics: plate boundaries and tectonic mechanism, Heat transport mechanisms, Geothermal gradient and the heat flux. FUNDAMENTALS OF HYDROGEOLOGY The Hydrologic cycle, Aquifer definitions and properties of aquifers, Darcy law, Aquifer types, Groundwater flow equations, hydraulic head, direction of groundwater flow and gradient, water table and potentiometric surface maps, Water wells design and drilling methods, Aquifer and well tests. LOW ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS The thermal properties of the ground, Ground-source heat pump systems, Heat pumps, Open-loop geothermal systems, Closed-loop geothermal systems (design, performance, characteristics) HIGH ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS Geothermal resources and reserves, Geothermal systems: vapor dominated geothermal fields, hot water geothermal systems, geopressured geothermal systems, hot dry rock geothermal systems and magma geothermal systems. Exploration program, Reservoir modelling and simulation, Economic highlights in the energy world market: geothermal industry and geothermal power and heat market.

- Theoretical lessons - 2 guided numerical exercises on open-loop and 1 exercise on closed-loop systems at the end of the low-enthalpy part, 1 numerical exercise on high-enthalpy geothermal systems at the end of high-enthalpy section. The guided exercises will be carried out in the classroom with the help of the teacher. - Field trips: 1) Low enthalpy geothermal power plant in Torino (Politecnico) 2) High enthalpy geothermal power plants in Larderello, Italy.

Teachers notes. These are the base for the exam. Suggested books: - David Banks, An Introduction to Thermogeology: Ground Source Heating and Cooling, 2nd Edition. Wiley. ISBN: 978-0-470-67034-7 - Ronald DiPippo, Geothermal Power Plants (3rd Edition) Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact. Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-08-098206-9

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam;

The purpose of the examination is to verify the understanding of the main characteristics of the different systems examined during the course and the ability to present concisely and comprehensively in short written texts the main elements learned. The obligatory written exam lasts 1 hour and consists of 10 questions with multiple choice and 2 questions with open answer. The final evaluation will be the sum of the results of the 10 multiple choice questions (1 point each) and the evaluation of the answers to the 2 open-questions (10 points each). The exercises developed during the course (not-obligatory) could be used to adjust the written test results evaluation. For those who pass the written exam can ask to take the oral exam (optional). The oral exam (2-3 questions) aims to explain the main concepts learned and can allow you to confirm the grade of the written test or modify it (increase or decrease it up to a maximum of 4 points). It covers the entire course program and has a maximum duration of 20 minutes.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.