Introduction

to
Deep Geothermal Engineering:
Overview and Applications (MIN 526)
Prepared and Presented
BY

SUEZ CANAL UNIVERSITY (SCU)

&
Egypt-Japan University of Science and
Technology (E-JUST)

Spring Semester 2023/2024

What is the Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is thermal energy
stored within the Earth's crust as a
result of radioactive decay, gravitational
compression, and residual heat from
planetary formation. It manifests in the
form of hot water, steam, or high-
temperature rocks, which can be
harnessed for various energy
Source: technology student.com
applications.

Deep Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy: History Overview
➢ Using geothermal energy dates back thousands of
years, with evidence of early civilizations utilizing
hot springs for bathing, cooking, and space heating.
Ancient cultures such as the old civilizations in India,
Egypt, Italy, China, and Japan. Indigenous peoples
worldwide recognized the therapeutic and practical
benefits of geothermal resources.

➢ Modern utilization of geothermal energy began in the

late 19th century with the development of the first
geothermal power plant in Italy in 1904. Subsequent
advancements in drilling technology, reservoir
engineering, and power generation techniques have
https://geothermaleducation.org/GEOpresentation/sld050.htm
expanded the scope and feasibility of geothermal
energy projects worldwide.
Deep Geothermal Energy
Significance of Geothermal Energy

➢ Renewable and Sustainable.

➢ Baseload Power Generation.

➢ Low Carbon Emissions.

➢ Economic Benefits

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energy

Deep Geothermal Energy

Deep Geothermal Energy: Unveiling the Earth's Heat
➢ Deep geothermal energy utilizes heat from the Earth's
interior, typically at depths exceeding 2-4 kilometers.

➢ Heat naturally occurs at these depths due to

radioactive decay, gravitational compression, and
primordial heat.

➢ It manifests in the form of hot water, steam, or high-

temperature rocks, which can be harnessed for
various energy applications.

➢ This heat can be extracted and converted into various

forms of energy, including electricity, heating, and
Vitaller, Ana & Angst, Ueli & Elsener, Bernhard. (2019). Corrosion Behaviour of L80 Steel
cooling. Grade in Geothermal Power Plants in Switzerland. Metals. 9. 331. 10.3390/met9030331.

Deep Geothermal Energy

Types of Deep Geothermal Resources

➢ Hydrothermal: Hot water and steam naturally exist

underground such as springs and Geysers.

➢ Hot Dry Rock: Heat from hot, dry rocks is transferred

to a circulating fluid through engineered fractures.

➢ Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS): Permeability is

artificially increased in hot, dry rock formations to
create a hydrothermal system. (Example: Cooper
Basin EGS project, Australia).
Moska, R.; Labus, K.; Kasza, P. Hydraulic Fracturing in Enhanced Geothermal Systems—Field,
Tectonic and Rock Mechanics Conditions—A Review. Energies 2021, 14, 5725.
https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185725

Deep Geothermal Energy

How Does Deep Geothermal Work?
➢ Deep wells are drilled to access hot fluids or rocks.

➢ Fluids are extracted and brought to the surface,

transferring heat to a working fluid in a heat
exchanger.

➢ The heated working fluid drives a turbine to generate

electricity.

➢ Used fluid is reinjected back underground to

maintain reservoir pressure and sustainability

https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/renewable-energy-infographic-geothermal-power-
global-environmental-problems-gm1295195562-388984324

Deep Geothermal Energy

Geological Considerations in Deep Geothermal Engineering?

➢ Overview of the Earth's Structure and Heat Sources.

• The Earth's interior is divided into several layers,

including the crust, mantle, and core. The crust, where
geothermal energy extraction occurs, is the outermost
layer and varies in thickness from a few kilometers
beneath the ocean floor to around 70 kilometers
beneath continental landmasses.
• The mantle and core beneath the crust are the
primary sources of heat within the Earth.

Source: Adapted from a National Energy Education Development Project graphic (public domain)
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/geothermal/

Deep Geothermal Energy

Geological Considerations in Deep Geothermal Engineering?

➢ Heat Transfer Mechanisms in the Earth's Crust:

• Heat within the Earth's crust is primarily transferred

through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction involves the transfer of heat through solid
materials, such as rocks, while convection occurs
through the movement of fluids, such as magma or
groundwater. Radiation involves the emission and
absorption of thermal energy as electromagnetic waves

Deep Geothermal Energy https://www.geological-digressions.com/the-thermal-structure-of-the-lithosphere/

Geological Considerations in Deep Geothermal Engineering?

➢ Geological Features Conducive to Deep Geothermal Energy Extraction:

Several geological features play a crucial role in facilitating the extraction of deep geothermal
energy:
• Hot Rocks: Regions with elevated temperatures within the Earth's crust, often associated with
tectonic activity, volcanic regions, or areas with high concentrations of heat-producing
radioactive elements.
• Fault Zones: Geological fractures or zones of weakness that provide pathways for fluid
circulation and heat transfer. Fault zones can enhance permeability and facilitate the
development of geothermal reservoirs.
• Permeable Rock Formations: Rocks with high porosity and permeability allow for the
circulation of fluids, such as water or brine, necessary for heat extraction. Sedimentary rocks,
fractured basement rocks, and volcanic formations are examples of permeable reservoir rocks.

Deep Geothermal Energy https://www.geological-digressions.com/the-thermal-structure-of-the-lithosphere/

Geological Considerations in Deep Geothermal Engineering?

➢ Exploration and Assessment Techniques:

• Geoscientists employ various techniques to explore and

assess the geological characteristics of potential deep
geothermal reservoirs. These may include seismic surveys,
gravity and magnetic surveys, well logging, and
geochemical analysis. These methods help identify
favorable geological structures and properties, estimate
subsurface temperatures and fluid compositions, and
assess the feasibility of geothermal energy extraction.

Deep Geothermal Energy https://geologyscience.com/geology-branches/geophysical-methods/

Geological Considerations in Deep Geothermal Engineering?

➢ Sustainable Resource Management:

• Sustainable management of deep geothermal resources requires careful monitoring and

modeling of reservoir behavior to ensure long-term viability and minimize environmental
impacts. This includes optimizing fluid injection and production rates, managing reservoir
pressure, and addressing potential risks such as induced seismicity or thermal depletion.

• By considering the geological processes that affect the extraction of deep geothermal
energy, individuals can understand the nature of subsurface complexity and the importance
of geology in the development of geothermal resources and their management.

Deep Geothermal Energy

 Technical Aspects of Deep Geothermal Engineering

➢ Geothermal Reservoirs:
• Geothermal reservoirs are subsurface formations
containing hot water, steam, or other geothermal
fluids that can be harnessed for energy
extraction. These reservoirs are typically located
several kilometers below the Earth's surface and
are characterized by high temperatures and
permeable rock formations. Reservoir properties,
such as temperature, pressure, fluid
composition, permeability, and porosity, play a
critical role in determining the feasibility and
productivity of geothermal projects. Gupta, Sanjeev & Dwivedi, Vijay & Yadav, Akanksha & Sharma, Anjali. (2010).
Geothermal Energy Resources and Utilization, in India: An Eco-Friendly
Approach for Sustainable Development.

Deep Geothermal Energy

 Technical Aspects of Deep Geothermal Engineering
➢ Drilling Techniques:
• Drilling is a fundamental aspect of deep geothermal engineering, as it
involves the construction of wells to access and exploit geothermal
reservoirs. Various drilling techniques are employed depending on the
geological conditions, well depth, and project objectives:
• Conventional Rotary Drilling: Involves the use of rotary drill bits to
penetrate the subsurface formations and create boreholes for fluid
circulation and wellbore completion.
• Directional Drilling: Enables the drilling of deviated or horizontal wells to
intersect target reservoirs and maximize contact with geothermal fluids.
• Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking): Stimulates reservoir permeability by
injecting high-pressure fluids into the formation to create fractures and
enhance fluid flow rates.
• Slimhole and Coiled Tubing Drilling: Utilizes smaller diameter drill
Zhan, Guodong & Xu, Jianhui & He, Duanwei. (2022).
strings to minimize costs and environmental impact while accessing deep Applications of Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) Materials in
Oil and Gas Industry. 10.5772/intechopen.107355.
geothermal resources.
Deep Geothermal Energy
Technical Aspects of Deep Geothermal Engineering
➢ Geothermal Power Plant Technologies:
• Geothermal power plants convert geothermal energy into electricity through
various technologies tailored to specific reservoir conditions and resource
characteristics:
1. Binary Cycle Power Plants: Utilize low-temperature geothermal fluids (typically
below 150°C) to vaporize a secondary working fluid with a lower boiling point
(e.g., isobutane or isopentane), which drives a turbine-generator to produce
electricity (Example: Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station in Iceland)
2. Flash Steam Power Plants: Exploit high-temperature geothermal fluids (typically
above 150°C) to generate steam directly from the reservoir, which is then
expanded through a turbine to generate electricity (Ex: The Geysers
Geothermal Power Plant located in California, USA)
3. Dry Steam Power Plants: Extract high-pressure, high-temperature steam
directly from the reservoir and route it through a turbine-generator system without
phase change, producing electricity (Ex: Larderello Geothermal Complex in
Italy)
4. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Employ hydraulic fracturing and
reservoir stimulation techniques to create artificial heat exchange pathways in hot Kutscher C., “Geothermal Electric Power”. NREL, USA, May 20, 2004
dry rock formations, allowing for widespread deployment of geothermal power
plants in regions lacking natural reservoirs (Ex: Soultz-sous-Forêts geothermal
site in France).
Technical Aspects of Deep Geothermal Engineering
➢ Geothermal Energy Utilization:
• In addition to electricity generation, geothermal energy finds
various direct-use applications, including:

1. District heating
2. Industrial processes,
3. Agricultural heating,
4. Greenhouse operations,
5. Aquaculture,
6. Spa and recreational facilities.

• Direct-use applications capitalize on the thermal energy

contained in geothermal fluids to provide space heating, hot
water supply, and process heat for various end-users,
contributing to energy efficiency, cost savings, and
environmental sustainability Heated Pool in Zagreb, Croatia using Geothermal Energy, July 2021
 SYLLABUS
Deep Geothermal Engineering:
Overview and Applications (MIN 526)
Course objectives

Introducing to geothermal energy resources, mastering elements

needed to assess discovered and available reserves of
geothermal fluid, and considering all available methods of
exploration and exploitation of deep geothermal reservoirs
Course pre-requisite

- Thermal Engineering for Geothermal Systems

- Geology for geothermal energy
- Geothermal Resources and Reservoir Engineering
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the fundamentals of the design of deep geothermal systems and their
physical and thermodynamic properties

- Able to identify and solve heat transfer equations in porous media and heat loss in deep
geothermal resources

- Capability of assessing the deep geothermal resources’ potentials for heat and power
production and the evaluation of geothermal brine reserves with the techno-economical
elaboration of geothermal potential
Course Content:
Course Evaluation:

Assignments Practical Exam Final Exam Total Grade

15 15 70 100
 REFERENCES

• Huenges, E. and Ledru, P. eds., 2010. Geothermal energy systems: exploration, development, and
utilization. John Wiley & Sons

• Stober, I.: Bucher, B., 2013. Geothermal Energy From Theoretical Models to Exploration and
Development, Springer, 2013, pp290, New York

• Kutasov, I.M., 1999. Applied Geothermics for Petroleum Engineers, Elsevier, 1999, New York, pp. 360

• DiPippo, R. 2016. Geothermal power plants: principles, applications, case studies, and environmental
impact. 4th edition. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Deep Geothermal Energy

Deep Geothermal Energy