Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (G519)

Matthew Jackson: Chair in Geological Fluid Dynamics, Imperial College London.

This course covers all subsurface aspects of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) and includes a brief overview of surface engineering and infrastructure requirements. The course includes an introduction to ATES, aquifer characterization for ATES, including geological and petrophysical considerations, ATES performance prediction, including modelling and simulation, and engineering considerations, including ATES system management and optimization.

Classroom version: A 3-day course comprising a mix of lectures, case studies and exercises. The manual will be provided in digital format and participants will be required to bring a laptop or tablet computer to follow the lectures and exercises.

Virtual version: Five 3.5-hour interactive online sessions presented over 5 days. A digital manual exercise will be distributed to participants before the course. Some reading and exercises are to be completed by participants off-line.

Advanced. The course is relevant to geoscientists and engineers and is intended for recent graduates and professionals with experience of, or a background in, a related subsurface geoscience or engineering area.

You will learn to:

1. Describe the underlying principles of ATES and the context of its deployment worldwide.
2. Evaluate the properties of an aquifer for ATES deployment.
3. Perform aquifer characterization for ATES.
4. Appreciate the engineering considerations for efficient and sustainable ATES operation.
5. Understand modelling and simulation of ATES.
6. Optimize single and multiple ATES projects.
7. Evaluate surface infrastructure requirements and operation.
8. Review the regulatory considerations for deployment and operation.