Schedule for this summer is June 18 to August 10, 2012
Applications are due February 15, by 5pm in the applicants local time zone.
Descriptions of modules can be found by clicking on the link below....
Module 1: June 18-22: Introduction to Geothermal Energy Utilization
Instructors: Jefferson Tester, Cornell University & Michal Moore, University of Calgary
This introductory course presents the important fundamentals of geothermal resource exploitation. Attendees will gain a general understanding of the basic steps in the economic exploitation of geothermal resources, including financing, exploration, drilling, plant design and construction, plant operation and maintenance, and geothermal field management, as well as the importance of public outreach and acceptance to maximize returns from the resource.
Module 2: June 25-29: Geothermal Geology and Geochemistry
Instructor: Joe Moore, EGI / University of Utah
Exploration is a topic of primary importance for the economic viability of geothermal energy enterprises, providing critical information on the location, size and exploitation potential of the resource. This module will cover the geologic settings of geothermal systems, geothermometry, fluid geochemistry and hydrothermal alteration.
Module 3: July 2-6: Geothermal Field Trips
Instructor: Varies by trip
This week will explore geothermal geology and power production in several locations. Final trips are subject to confirmation but may include visits to The Geysers, Long Valley Caldera, Lassen Volcanic field, Brady's geothermal fractures and plant sites, Hot Creek, Buckeye or other surface hot springs and combined heat and power production sites.
Module 4: July 9-13: Geothermal Geophysics
Instructor: David Blackwell, Southern Methodist University
This module will present exploration methodologies and tools used to find and characterize geothermal resources, interpretation of their results and how they are applied to form a synthesis of potential reservoir characteristics. Topics include heat flow, thermal gradients and conductivity, eletrical, magnetic, gravity and seismic techniques of exploration, well logging and case histories.
Module 5: July 16-20: Drilling Engineering
Instructors: Bill Livesay, Livesay Consultants, & Lou Capuano, Capuano Engineering Consultants
This module will cover the development and planning process that is done for each well, with the intent is to expose students to the decisions that are made and how other geothermal resource decisions interact with the drilling design, planning and operations. The module will also cover the drilling aspects of the development of an engineered geothermal system power complex. The information presented should enable the participant to have a basic knowledge of how various aspects of the resource are affected by decisions made: resource, drilling, power plant and project economics. Non-drilling personnel, who are involved in other aspects of geothermal resource development, will gain an appreciation for the complexities of exploration and development drilling required to produce the resource.
Module 6: July 23-27: Reservoir Engineering
Instructor: Roland Horne, Stanford University
This week covers the basic principles of reservoir engineering and management. Reservoir characterization methods are presented as well as the elements of managing the resource. Individual topics will include the fundamentals of reservoir properties and flow mechanisms, the analysis of well measurements and the estimation of well performance characteristics. This module will also look in detail at reservoir modeling, reservoir simulation and the design and management of re-injection.
Module 7: July 30 - Aug. 3: Power Plant Design and Construction
Instructors: Ronald DiPippo, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, & Brian Anderson, West Virginia University
This course covers the fundamentals of geothermal power plant design, analysis and construction. Specific topics inlcude dry steam, single- and double-flash, and binary systems, with a discussion of all ajor plant components such as turbines, separators, flashers, piping and heat exchangers. Advanced energy conversion systems will be described including several versions of binary plants, combined and hybrid cycles, total-flow systems and enhanced geothermal systems. Emphasis will be placed on the use of REFPROP in the design and analysis of power plants. The week will conclude with a study of environmental impacts and a case study.
Module 8: Aug. 6-10: Environmental Policy and Geothermal Business Principles & Development
This week incorporates two components
Public Policy, Permitting and Environmental Issue
Instructor: Mark Demuth, WCRM, Inc.
This course provides an in-depth view of public policy matters that must be mastered in pursuing a geothermal resource, with a focus on the practical steps to be followed for success. This course will be valuable to people in management and legal positions engaged in, or planning to engage in geothermal programs.
Geothermal Business Principles & Development
Instructor: John McKinsey, Stoel Rives LLP
The economic viability and speed of completion of geothermal programs are dependent on how they are organized and managed. Many geothermal projects take far longer because of significant environmental, financing, permitting, transmission, or property-acquisition issues that arise and must be resolved. Delay increases project expenses, impedes economic development and imposes social costs. The economics of a project are examined in detail in order to better predict profitability. This course describes the key components in planning, design, permitting, construction, transmission, and related activities that reduce project delays. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to improve the project’s managerial, organizational, and operational effectiveness to facilitate timely project delivery. Project management, environmental and legal issues, government and electric utility interactions will be covered.
