Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy resources and the means by which they can be unlocked and recovered vary greatly. The heat energy exists in various subsurface environments, which requires customized techniques and technologies to recover. The figure above introduces the diversity of geothermal resources and its applications.

The presence of shallow soil, rock, and/or aquifers—and, specifically, their thermal storage properties—presents a vast and important geothermal resource. The thermal storage capacity of the shallow earth can be enabled using Geothermal Heat Pumps.

The hydrothermal resources contain the basic elements of heat in the Earth, along with groundwater and rock characteristics. It is sufficient for the recovery of heat energy, usually through produced hot water or steam. It can range in temperature from a few degrees above ambient conditions to temperatures greater than 375°C.

The enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), contain heat similar to conventional hydrothermal resources but is found at above-ambient temperature. It has high potential applications which requires engineering prowess.

Our research includes design, develop, and test of techniques and technologies for enabling geothermal resources. Our project is leveraged with members with diverse skill sets and expertise in geothermal energy, geoscience, well control, additive manufacturing, solid modeling, and numerical simulations.