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Geothermal Geology & Site Selection - Coggle Diagram
Geothermal Geology & Site Selection
Thermal Flow Conecpts
Thermal Gradient
$$\frac{dT}{dr}=30°C/km$$
Heat Flux
Fourier's Law of Conduction: $$H=-kA\frac{dT}{dr}$$
Surface Heat Flow
$$~ 0.1 - 0.2 W/m^2$$ Low at this but generally
not useful
for electrical energy production unless concentrated
Reservoir Structure (The "Pressure Cooker")
Heat Source (Bottom)
Hot rock, e.g., crystallising granite
Reservoir (Middle)
Aquifer Layer
(holds water and allows it to pass through)
Cap Rock/Seal (Top)
Impermeable layer (e.g., clay) that traps the hot water/steam
Aquifer Properties
Porosity
Space to
hold
a lot of water
Permeability
Ability to
allow
water to flow through (Hydraulic Conductivity K)
Fluid Flow
$$Q=-K A \frac{dH}{dL}$$
Darcy's Law
models fluid speed through a porous medium
Ideal Locations
Tectonic Plates
High heat closer to the surface (friction, movement)
Ring of Fire
region aligning with tectonic plates and volcanic activity
Volcanic Systems
Magma close to surface, allowing access to steam/water within ~ 2km