The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of geothermal resources, with particular emphasis on low-enthalpy geothermal systems and on modern technologies for their sustainable exploitation.

Knowledge and Understanding

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe the fundamental principles of thermogeology and heat transfer in the subsurface;
• understand the processes controlling the Earth's heat flow distribution and the formation of geothermal anomalies;
• distinguish the main types of geothermal systems;
• explain the operating principles of the main geothermal energy technologies for both high- and low-enthalpy resources;
• understand the environmental and sustainability issues related to geothermal resource development.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

·      assess the geothermal potential of a site based on its geological and thermal characteristics;

·      apply the principles of heat transfer to the analysis of geothermal systems;

·      understand the design criteria and selection of the main types geothermal plants evaluating their energy performance and potential environmental constraints.

Making Judgements

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

·      critically evaluate the potential and limitations of different geothermal resources in relation to their geological and environmental setting;

·      compare different geothermal exploitation technologies by considering technical, economic, and environmental aspects;

·      formulate well-reasoned evaluations of the environmental impacts associated with geothermal resource development.

Communication Skills

·      effectively communicate technical and scientific results and assessments using appropriate terminology;

·      synthesize information from scientific literature, experimental data, and case studies.

Learning Skills

·      identify, analyse, and critically evaluate data and information from specialized scientific and technical sources;

·      continuously update their knowledge in response to advances in geothermal technologies, regulatory frameworks, and energy transition strategies.

42 hours (6 CFU) of lectures. Lessons will be held in Italian.

• Introduction to Thermogeology
• Energetic resources, sources and energy production
• Principles of heat transfer
• Heat fluxes and geothermal anomalies on Earth
• Types of geothermal systems
• Geothermal power plants
• Ground as Heat Storage Reservoir
• Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)
• Types of low-enthaply geothermal systems with GSHP technology
• Environmental impact, regulation and geohazards associated to low-enthaply geothermal systems

• Banks D. (2012). An Introduction to Thermogeology: Ground Source Heating and Cooling. Wiley-Blackwell, 526 pp.
• Buntebarth G. (1984). Geothermics, an Introduction. Springer-Verlag, 144 pp.
• Di Pippo R. (2012). Geothermal Power Plants. Elsevier Academic Press, 573 pp.
• Eppelbaum L., Kutasov, I., Pilchin A. (2014). Applied Geothermics. Springer, 751 pp.
• Kalaiselvam S., Parameshwaran R. (2014). Thermal Energy Storage Technologies for Sustainability - Systems Design, Assessment and Applications. Elsevier Academic Press, 430 pp.

Oral exam, lasting approximatively 30 minutes, that will be conducted in person. The exam is designed to assess the student's level of learning, their ability to clearly and accurately present the acquired knowledge in an oral examination, and their proficiency in applying the scientific method of inquiry. Verification of learning can also be carried out remotely, should the conditions require it. 

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with the law, students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory actions based on their educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or LD) contact teacher in our Department, Professor Gabriele Lanzafame (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).