Module 1

Concepts and physical Basics

Thermal structure of the Earth
Thermodynamic state functions (Gibbs equations, Maxwell relations)
Energy budget of the Earth
Thermal regime of the Earth, plate tectonics and geothermal systems
Module 2

Crustal heat transport and relevant rock properties

Heat transport by diffusion (steady state: conduction) and fluid-driven advection
Thermal conductivity and diffusivity
Specific heat capacity and thermal capacity
Radiogenic heat generation rate
Module 3

Borehole and laboratory methods for measuring geothermal data

Temperature and thermal conductivity
Specific heat capacity
Radiogenic heat generation rate
Porosity and density
Processing of geothermal data

Temperature corrections regarding

Technical perturbations
Equilibration after borehole shut-in
Borehole free convection
Borehole in- and outflow
Natural steady-state and transient effects
Topography
Climate change
Erosion and uplift, sedimentation and subsidence
Calculation of temperature gradient

Calculation of heat flow
Module 4

Geothermal energy (shallow and deep borehole heat exchangers)?

Definition of geothermal energ
Types of geothermal resources
Direct use of geothermal heat
Space heating and cooling
Commercial and industrial applications
Technological and economical aspects of direct use
– Earth coupled heat extraction systems
– Hydrothermal heating systems
Module 5

Geothermal energy (conversion into electric energy)

Geothermal reservoir development
Integrating of structural, geological, and geophysical data into a numerical model for simulating
flow and heat transport in geothermal reservoirs
Step-out exploration and field development
Geothermal power generation: Technological and economical aspects of geothermal power
generation
– Natural steam power plants
– Binary power plants
– Power plants for Hot Dry Rock or Enhanced Geothermal Systems
– Technical, economic and ecological aspects