Geothermal Energy

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency - Management, Engineering and Application, Master (PO-2026)

Unique module numberETechn-9440-M
Module number / codeW-UM-05
Module nameGeothermal Energy
Type of moduleElective module
Learning outcomes, acquired competencies and qualification goals

After the successful participation in the course Geothermal Resource Identification and Development the students are able to:

  • identify and characterize the geothermal prospects and the techniques for drilling wells into geothermal formations to extract hot fluids

After the successful participation in the course Geothermal Applications the students are able to:

  • discuss the general concepts of geothermal power plants
  • define the main characteristics of the geothermal fluids used in space or district heating
  • describe the main features of the absorption cycles used for air conditioning and industrial refrigeration in geothermal applications
  • discuss the factors influencing greenhouse climate
Course typesVLmP+Ü (2 SWS); VLmP+Ü (3 SWS)
Content

Geothermal Resource Identification and Development

  • Geology of geothermal regions: the earth and its atmosphere; active geothermal
    regions; model of a hydrothermal geothermal resource and other types of geothermal resources; exploration strategies and techniques; objectives and phases of an exploration program; synthesis and interpretation.
  • Geothermal well drilling: site preparation and drilling equipment; drilling operations;
    safety precautions.
  • Reservoir engineering: reservoir and well flow; well testing; calcite scaling in well
    casings; reservoir modelling and simulation. 

Geothermal Applications

  • Electricity generation
    • technical features of plant options: atmospheric and condensing exhaust conventional steam turbines; binary plant; biphase rotary separator turbo-alternator.
    • well-head generating units: economic considerations regarding small geothermal plants.
  • Space and district heating: resource considerations; space heating (or cooling) needs; hot water collection and transmission system; equipment selection; economical and environmental considerations; tariffs; integrated uses.
  • Space cooling: air conditioning; commercial refrigeration; absorption research; materials.
  • Greenhouse heating: energy aspects of protected crop cultivation; characteristics of heat consumption; technical solutions for geothermal greenhouse heating; geothermal greenhouse heating installations; factors influencing the choice of heating installation; final considerations.
Title of coursesGeothermal Resource Identification and Development
Geothermal Applications
Teaching and learning methodslecture, exercise
Usabilitiy in other programs
Duration1 Semester
Frequency of module offerannually in winter semester
Teaching languageEnglish
Recommended (knowledge) prerequisites
Required prerequisites for participationnone
Student workload150 hours (75 h course attendance, 75 h self-study)
Required course worknone
Prerequisites for examination(s)none
Module examination(s)Examination P1: Geothermal Resource Identification and Development - midterm assignments (1/3), final written exam (90 min) (2/3)
Grade weighting P1: 40%
Examination P2: Geothermal Applications - midterm assignments (1/3), final written exam (90 min) (2/3)
Grade weighting P2: 60%
Credit points (ECTS)5 cp
Teaching unitElektrotechnik
Responsible personDr. El Alimi
Lecturer(s)Hacen DHAHRI
Media usedblack board and beamer; introductory class meetings, power point presentations, discussions, practical exercises, case studies in groups; formal and interactive
Recommended literature

Ronald DiPippo, Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact Geothermal energy: utilization and technology, Elsivier.

Comments

5 cp (2 cp - Geothermal Resource Identification and Development; 3 cp - Geothermal Applications)