At the end of the course, students should know the main principles related to low and high enthalpy geothermal systems, the main techniques for the geothermal exploration in different environmental, territorial and geological contexts as well as the main technologies for the exploitation of the geothermal resources. In particular, the student: - Will have a good technical and theoretical knowledge on geothermal resources, their properties, their potentiality and limitations - Will acquire advance tools for the design of low enthalpy geothermal plants, by coupling both geological features and engineering solutions - Will face simplified problems for the design of heat pump geothermal system in urbanized areas Through practical exercises and field trips, students will be involved in the processes of resource estimation and geothermal plant design.

Preliminary knowledge of earth sciences, fundamentals of mathematics, physics, fluid and thermodynamics and thermal energy plants.

The course is divided into 4 modules: Module 1 (3): INTRODUCTION TO GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Earth system, Earth internal structure, continental drift, plate tectonics, heat transport mechanisms, geothermal gradient and the heat flux. Module 2 (9): 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. Module 3 (26h): 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) Module 4 (10h): HIGH ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS Geothermal resources and reserves, geothermal systems: hydrothermal geothermal systems (vapour or liquid-dominated), co-produced and geopressured geothermal systems, enhanced geothermal system (EGS), magmatic and supercritical geothermal systems and hypersaline (hot brine) geothermal systems. Exploration program, technologies for power production, economic highlights in the energy world market: geothermal industry and geothermal power and heat market. High temperature geothermal systems: state of the art, resource assessment, geothermal energy in Italy. Module 5 (3h): STORAGE Module 6 (3h): NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS Module 7 (6h): INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL MODELING APPLIED TO HEAT PUMP GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

The course is structured into: - 43 hours of theoretical lessons to provide the basic knowledge about geothermal energy resources and their possible uses. - 17 hours of exercises on open-loop and closed loop systems and simple numerical modelling of geothermal pipes. During the course there will be one or two technical visits.

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

Lecture notes; Exercise with solutions ; Video lectures (previous years);

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam;

The purpose of the examination is to verify the knowledge and the understanding of the main characteristics of the different geothermal systems, analysed during the course and the ability to present concisely and comprehensively in short written texts the main elements learned. The mandatory written exam lasts 1 hour and consists of 10 questions with multiple choice and 2 questions with open answers. 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 gives: 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 take the oral exam must send an email to the teacher. In the case the mark is not accepted, the written exam should be repeated (the past positive evaluation will be definitely deleted). Without any email for taking the oral exam or for refusing the written test mark, 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.

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.