2024
Geothermal Energy
Name: Geothermal Energy
Code: EME13076L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Mechanical Engineering
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Students will acquire knowledge related to geothermal energy including the realization of the potential associated with this form of energy, its use worldwide and the role it may play in the future. The course will cover the methods and processes to be developed from the exploration and evaluation of a geothermal reservoir to obtaining electric energy and direct use of geothermal fluids, with special attention to the study and use of geothermal pumps. For this, it will be necessary to review and introduce some concepts and laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluids that will be used in the classes on prospecting, study of the plants and their operation, and direct applications of fluids. We will end with environmental problems that may occur due to the implementation of a geothermal plant, costs associated with the production of geothermal energy, the area needed to build a plant and the amount of water needed for the plant to work.
Contents
Introduction. The energetic problem in the world. Geothermal energy.
Heat flow lost by the Earth by conduction.
The role of the water circulation in geothermal reservoirs.
Radiation heat transfer. Convection. Viscosity. Some notions of thermodynamics.
Geothermal survey (introduction). Geochemistry. Geophysical Prospecting.
Reserves and Resources. Evaluation of a geothermal reserve.
Production of electricity by geothermal (historical notes). Production of electrical energy. Geothermal pumps. Direct use of geothermal fluids. Some applications.
Environmental problems associated with the use of geothermal reserves. Costs. Used area and water required.
Geothermal energy in the future: main problems to solve.
Heat flow lost by the Earth by conduction.
The role of the water circulation in geothermal reservoirs.
Radiation heat transfer. Convection. Viscosity. Some notions of thermodynamics.
Geothermal survey (introduction). Geochemistry. Geophysical Prospecting.
Reserves and Resources. Evaluation of a geothermal reserve.
Production of electricity by geothermal (historical notes). Production of electrical energy. Geothermal pumps. Direct use of geothermal fluids. Some applications.
Environmental problems associated with the use of geothermal reserves. Costs. Used area and water required.
Geothermal energy in the future: main problems to solve.
Teaching Methods
Teaching is based on theoretical and theoretical/practical classes. The evaluation will be done with tests during the semester or an exam at the end of the semester.
Teaching Staff (2023/2024 )
- Maria Rosa Alves Duque [responsible]
