In the field of renewable energies, the course is devoted to the geothermal resources. The program will highlight the origin and dynamics of geothermal resources and fluids and the main exploration and exploitation technologies aimed to their use. It will consider both high and low enthalpy systems in terms of origin, behavior, potential and real uses, environmental and economic benefits and impacts.

At the end of the course students should know the main principles related to high and low 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, fundamental of math and fundamental bases of energy plants.

INTRODUCTION TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Fundamentals of geology, the structure of the Earth, origin of geothermal resources, geothermal gradient and geothermal anomalies, the thermal properties of the ground, field methods to assess ground thermal properties. Geothermal exploration techniques. FUNDAMENTALS OF HYDROGEOLOGY Introduction to groundwater and hydrodynamics in porous media. Water wells and wells design. Unsaturated zone and aquifers properties. Heat propagation in the aquifers. LOW ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM Open-loop geothermal systems. Closed-loop geothermal systems. Thermal Response Test, Heat pumps and plants. Legal, technical and economic elements. Sustainability and assessment of resources. Environmental impact and implementation with particular focus on urban areas. HIGH ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM Geothermal reservoirs (water and vapour dominated geothermal systems, hot dry rock systems). Deep geothermal exploration techniques. Uses of high enthalpy geothermal systems. Estimation, sustainability and environmental impact. Economic highlights in the energy world market.

- Lessons - Numerical exercises on open and closed-loop systems - 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

Modalità di esame: Prova orale facoltativa; Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

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. During the examination, it is not allowed to hold and consult notebooks, books, sheets with exercises, forms, calculators. The final evaluation will be the sum of the results of the 10 multiple choice questions (each closed question is valid: 1 point if right, 0 points if unanswered, -0,5 points if wrong) and the evaluation of the answers to the 2 open-questions (10 points each). In the open-questions the notational clarity and the exhibition rigor allow to acquire the laude. The results of the written exam are communicated on the teaching portal, together with the date on which students who pass the written exam (>18/30) can ask to take the optional oral exam. After the publishing of the results, students that want to ask for the oral exam must send an email to the teacher. The same for those that instead are not satisfied and want to refuse the written test evaluation. In that case, the written exam should be repeated and the positive evaluation definitely deleted. Without any email asking the oral exam or refusing the written test evaluation, the exam will be officially registered with the written test mark. 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 15-20 minutes. In any case, oral exam can be also decided by free decision of the teacher, in case it is appropriate to deepen after the written test.

Modalità di esame: Prova orale facoltativa; Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

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. During the examination, it is not allowed to hold and consult notebooks, books, sheets with exercises, forms, calculators. The final evaluation will be the sum of the results of the 10 multiple choice questions (each closed question is valid: 1 point if right, 0 points if unanswered, -0,5 points if wrong) and the evaluation of the answers to the 2 open-questions (10 points each). In the open-questions the notational clarity and the exhibition rigor allow to acquire the laude. The results of the written exam are communicated on the teaching portal, together with the date on which students who pass the written exam (>18/30) can ask to take the optional oral exam. After the publishing of the results, students that want to ask for the oral exam must send an email to the teacher. The same for those that instead are not satisfied and want to refuse the written test evaluation. In that case, the written exam should be repeated and the positive evaluation definitely deleted. Without any email asking the oral exam or refusing the written test evaluation, the exam will be officially registered with the written test mark. 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 15-20 minutes. In any case, oral exam can be also decided by free decision of the teacher, in case it is appropriate to deepen after the written test.