• Energy Research

An integrated review of existing geological and geophysical data – partly acquired during oil and gas exploration – combined with new data provided by deep geothermal studies of selected key areas, was used for the 3D modeling and mapping of the top of the geothermal reservoir developed at a regional scale in Sicily (Central Mediterranean). The resulting 1:500,000 scale map covers the area of the whole Sicily (about 25,700 km2) and is devoted to represent the main input for both the thermal modeling and the evaluation of geothermal potential at a regional scale. As the map indicates the distribution at depth of a likely target for geothermal drilling, it can be also used as a rough indicator of expected drilling cost for geothermal projects. Such a map can be seen as a useful planning tool for any geothermal project, and related exploration to be carried out in the Sicily region in the future.

An integrated review of existing geological and geophysical data – partly acquired during oil and gas exploration – combined with new data provided by deep geothermal studies of selected key areas, was used for the 3D modeling and mapping of the top of the geothermal reservoir developed at a regional scale in Sicily (Central Mediterranean). The resulting 1:500,000 scale map covers the area of the whole Sicily (about 25,700 km2) and is devoted to represent the main input for both the thermal modeling and the evaluation of geothermal potential at a regional scale. As the map indicates the distribution at depth of a likely target for geothermal drilling, it can be also used as a rough indicator of expected drilling cost for geothermal projects. Such a map can be seen as a useful planning tool for any geothermal project, and related exploration to be carried out in the Sicily region in the future.

In this study, the sustainability of low-temperature geothermal field exploitation in a carbonate reservoir near Mondragone (CE), Southern Italy, is analyzed. The Mondragone geothermal field has been extensively studied through the research project VIGOR (Valutazione del potenzIale Geotermico delle RegiOni della convergenza). From seismic, geo-electric, hydro-chemical and groundwater data, obtained through the experimental campaigns carried out, physiochemical features of the aquifers and characteristics of the reservoir have been determined. Within this project, a well-doublet open-loop district heating plant has been designed to feed two public schools in Mondragone town. The sustainability of this geothermal application is analyzed in this study. A new exploration well (about 300 m deep) is considered to obtain further stratigraphic and structural information about the reservoir. Using the derived hydrogeological model of the area, a numerical analysis of geothermal exploitation was carried out to assess the thermal perturbation of the reservoir and the sustainability of its exploitation. The effect of extraction and reinjection of fluids on the reservoir was evaluated for 60 years of the plant activity. The results are fundamental to develop a sustainable geothermal heat plant and represent a real case study for the exploitation of similar carbonate reservoir geothermal resources.

In this study, the sustainability of low-temperature geothermal field exploitation in a carbonate reservoir near Mondragone (CE), Southern Italy, is analyzed. The Mondragone geothermal field has been extensively studied through the research project VIGOR (Valutazione del potenzIale Geotermico delle RegiOni della convergenza). From seismic, geo-electric, hydro-chemical and groundwater data, obtained through the experimental campaigns carried out, physiochemical features of the aquifers and characteristics of the reservoir have been determined. Within this project, a well-doublet open-loop district heating plant has been designed to feed two public schools in Mondragone town. The sustainability of this geothermal application is analyzed in this study. A new exploration well (about 300 m deep) is considered to obtain further stratigraphic and structural information about the reservoir. Using the derived hydrogeological model of the area, a numerical analysis of geothermal exploitation was carried out to assess the thermal perturbation of the reservoir and the sustainability of its exploitation. The effect of extraction and reinjection of fluids on the reservoir was evaluated for 60 years of the plant activity. The results are fundamental to develop a sustainable geothermal heat plant and represent a real case study for the exploitation of similar carbonate reservoir geothermal resources.

Small and medium size district heating networks have seen some spread over the last two decades, especially in cities which are not supplied by natural gas grids. In this paper, the authors investigate the energetic feasibility of a small district heating network feeding two schools in a city of Southern Italy (Mondragone). In particular, the district heating is powered by a low-temperature geothermal fluid pumped from a well located 2.1 km away from the city center. Geothermal fluid has a temperature of 34 degrees C and a flow rate of 6 l/s. The buildings have been rehabilitated by an energy point of view and are equipped of low-temperature fan-coils in order to ensure their compatibility with the 4th generation district heating system. Energy analysis were conducted through the implementation of transient simulation model in TRNSYS environment. The feasibility of two configurations of the system is compared: the first, with one heat pump installed nearby the geothermal well feeding the grid, and the second one with the heat pumps installed in each building substation. Transient simulations results show that the first configuration is energetically less efficient than the second one due to the high thermal losses (55% of the total consumption) of the district supply pipes.

Small and medium size district heating networks have seen some spread over the last two decades, especially in cities which are not supplied by natural gas grids. In this paper, the authors investigate the energetic feasibility of a small district heating network feeding two schools in a city of Southern Italy (Mondragone). In particular, the district heating is powered by a low-temperature geothermal fluid pumped from a well located 2.1 km away from the city center. Geothermal fluid has a temperature of 34 degrees C and a flow rate of 6 l/s. The buildings have been rehabilitated by an energy point of view and are equipped of low-temperature fan-coils in order to ensure their compatibility with the 4th generation district heating system. Energy analysis were conducted through the implementation of transient simulation model in TRNSYS environment. The feasibility of two configurations of the system is compared: the first, with one heat pump installed nearby the geothermal well feeding the grid, and the second one with the heat pumps installed in each building substation. Transient simulations results show that the first configuration is energetically less efficient than the second one due to the high thermal losses (55% of the total consumption) of the district supply pipes.