Fundamentals of Geothermal Heating - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Surveyors and Architects

Fundamentals of Geothermal Heating

Introduction

This course focuses on geothermal fundamentals applicable to the practical & optimum extraction of thermal energy from Earth's Crust for thermal heating purposes. Geothermal energy in current common terminology refers to pockets of hot water or steam near the Earth's surface that can be accessed at reasonable cost. Source and formation of pockets is described. The Earth's Crust physical and chemical properties, as well as brine chemical & physical properties, that are needed for direct thermal utilization, are introduced. Depending on local conditions, long term benefits of the thermal utilization will accrue to the facility owner, city or district. Because of the technical complexity, note “complications” in this course presentation, of such projects, there should be many opportunities for design expertise and PE skills in this increasing market. Boise Idaho regional district and the Boise City Mall is used as a case example.

It also provides the theory of, and a summary of, practical utilization of thermal sources/sinks in in the near-surface Geo-Structure of Geo-inactive Regions.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the end of this course, the student will learn and understand the following Basic Elements important in implementing thermal heating systems:

Definitions and meanings of important terminology and geo-structure of the crust for subduction, rift and active zones
Geo-structure of active zones to depth of 1000 feet
Location of the geothermal source relative to the location of region to be heated
The various types of district heating systems
Properties/factors to be considered to optimize the project

In addition, the student will learn and understand the following Basic Elements important in implementing Ground Source GTHP Pump Technology:

Geo-structure and geology of inactive zones to depth of about 400 feet
basic types of systems and how to select the appropriate individual or small/local district heating system for the specific local
The pitfalls in current designs and specific examples or a commercial level installation that can justify the cost of a professional engineer to properly design the projects, thus avoiding the problems that happen with current designs?

Intended Audience

All engineers, scientists, businesses and individuals interested in the utilization of the renewable, relatively clean, resource called geothermal energy for thermal heating from small structures such as homes, to large district heating systems such as a major portion of a city or even integration of a larger region encompassing several cities. Also interested in long term energy savings by utilizing the geo-inactive region by applying GTHP “Geothermal Heat Pumps” technology. Note: the use of the term geothermal in this context does not correspond with the conventional/correct meaning of geothermal. Details are given in Course “M546: Ground Source Thermal Technology, Fundamentals & Implementation”.

About the Author

Dr. Wahl has multiple degrees from Harvard, MIT & Cornell (PhD). His geothermal teaching experience includes a) UN Geothermal Energy visiting professor to 1st UN Geothermal Program Auckland (1980) and b) numerous courses at Cal Poly Pomona and UC San Diego. He taught at c)Cleveland State University(chem & ChemE) d) U of Western Ontario where he developed cross-disciplinary course in state vector control theory for electrical, mechanical & chemical engineers using latest control theory, state vectors and e) Medicine and Engineering. Dr. Wahl implemented new medical diagnostic systems and clinical studies at a number of University hospitals. He continues this work at advanced level in US and Europe. He has lectured around the world since 1996 in this field and taught courses to medical professionals (qualified for CE credits). For the JPL Voyager spacecraft, designed, organized and implemented data management system that integrated automation with navigation, propulsion, and telemetry groups. Received the NASA public service award, highest NASA award & first time to a non-government employee. As program manager of geothermal research, developed and prepared plans, programs, and proposals and supervised the design, contraction, and operation of several geothermal pilot plants. As owner of Wahl company, Dr Wahl completed ahead of schedule and within budget thirty projects in million dollar range in r&d, engineering, fabrication, construction, & operations of pilot facilities related to geothermal utilization plants.. These included projects for various commercial, engineering and federal agencies: included integrated project operations, solved the instability problem in the geothermal two-phase demo power plant in Imperial Valley that had plagued it for years, technical and business management of a proposed 50 megawatt power plant project. For Anderson IBEC performed technical evaluations of companies for acquisition, placed IBEC years ahead of competition in their expeller machinery production hard-facing operation. Managed fuel cell projects, design and operation of an aqueous UF nuclear facility. Conducted studies for various space propulsion systems. Modeled various soil remediation processes, recommended design, operations and process improvements, managed pilot programs for Hazardous Materials projects. Dr. Wahl received numerous awards and patents for paint industry (Sherwin-Williams and PPG), constructed and operated a coating plant for producing photosensitive films and other specialty paper and film products, and authored Geothermal Energy Utilization published by Wiley. He holds many patents in the above fields. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio, California and Oregon.

Course Content

This course focuses on geothermal fundamentals applicable to the practical & optimum extraction of thermal energy from Earth's Crust for thermal heating purposes.

Geothermal energy in current common terminology refers to pockets of hot water or steam near the Earth's surface that can be accessed at reasonable cost. Source and formation of pockets is described. The Earth's Crust physical and chemical properties, as well as brine chemical & physical properties, are needed for direct thermal utilization and are introduced. Depending on local conditions, long term benefits of the thermal utilization will accrue to the facility owner, city or district. Because of the technical complexity, note “complications” in this course presentation, of such projects, there should be many opportunities for design expertise and PE skills in this increasing market. Boise Idaho regional district and the Boise City Mall is used as a case example.

It also provides the theory of, and a summary of, the practical utilization of thermal sources/sinks in the Near-surface Geo-Structure of US Geo-inactive Regions.

Earth properties for commercial application of GSTT download provides data for the design and estimation. An example case for a commercial application might occur in the northern area of the East Coast such is in the Appalachian mountain areas such as the region north of New York where the winters can be bitter and cold. The data for crust temperature profiles and compositions at various locations and depths at depths of 1500 to 2000 meters show temperatures would be between 80 and 110 °C (176 and 228°F ) and that the physical properties of the earth at these depths. An estimate of the thermal energy transferred by the Ground Source Thermal Technology (GSTT) is calculated for the producing volume of 500 meters (1500 ft.) = 1500 x 3.14 10^2] and earth for spacing of 20 feet. The thermal heat transferred is = [producing volume] x [density] x [k] x [c_p]. In a Northern cold climate such temperatures would be very beneficial for reducing power costs. As shown by the attached calculation, the monthly thermal power generated has a valued of $544,000 per well per month. Therefore drilling to depths of 1000 m, (3000 feet) might be justified. Recent attempts at application have been economically disastrous for the owner/purchaser because of faulty design as well as misleading and overselling the supposed benefits. This is documented in downloads. Video presentations by advertisers are generally just advertising with no real data and they should hire competent professional engineers to get on the correct track. Because of the technical complexity of such projects, design expertise and PE judgment is important in this emerging & capital cost intensive application. For further information see the PDH courses on Ground Source GTHP Pump Technology. Successful utilization depends on geographic location and local climatic conditions.

Recently there has been federal subsidies to increase the use of this geo-inactive resource and expand its use via new technology developments, Ground Source Thermal Technology, “GSTT”. Commonly referred to as, “GTHP”, Ground Source Thermal Technology application optimization is a function of geographic location, local climatic conditions, and geology of the crustal surface down to about 400 feet. It is necessary to optimize for the local conditions. Long term benefits of the application will accrue to the facility owner, and short term benefits will be helped due to government subsidies if and only if properly designed which now requires PE skills. Furthermore, the usefulness of this technology can be enhanced by coupling it with solar &/or wind power.

Improved understanding and data becomes available with each passing year. Nevertheless, because of the technical complexity of geothermal projects, care must be given to the quality of the data and references, which should be cast with the solidity of geologic time.

Please download and study the following:

Principal Course Document:
- Thermal Heating Fundamentals Chapter 1 (PDF)
- Thermal Heating Fundamentals Chapter 2 (PDF)
- Webinar Lecture Notes (PDF)
Other supplemental information

Table 1 Definitions (PDF)
Table 1.2 Tabular Schematic of Geo-Region, Temperatures, Properties and Other Information (PDF)
Table 1.3 Geo-Regions (PDF)
Estimate Thermal Production (PDF)
Niger Properties Data (PDF)
Thermal Conductivity Equation (PDF)
Graph Sedimentary Rocks Thermal Properties (PDF)

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. For your convenience, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Optional reference for your interest. “Geothermal Energy Utilization”. Wahl EF, published by Wiley 1979. Long by our lifespan but essentially 0 delta time in Geologic time. This book is also available from book resellers for $5 to $25.

Because this course is offered as a "live" course, you are required to attend the webinar at the scheduled time and date. Please check the Webinar Schedule under course description on our website for currently scheduled meeting date and time. We will send you an invitation to the webinar through email approximately 24 hours before the webinar (confirmation of the receipt of the invitation is required). The certificate of completion will not be issued unless you attend the webinar and pass a quiz. Thank you for your cooperation.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.