75441 - Solar and Geothermal System M

Learning outcomes

The course deals with the design of systems able to use solar or geothermal energy.

Course contents

The course is divided in two parts, one dedicated to Solar Energy and another one focused on Geothermal Energy.

Module 1 (Solar Energy)

Solar Radiation and athmosphere.

Solar geometry and calculation of the daily solar energy collected by a surface.

Solar systems for the production of thermal energy at low temperature.

Solar concentration systems.

Solar cooling.

Photovoltaic Systems.

Module 2 (Geothermal Energy)

Availability of geothermal energy at high and medium enthalpy.

Geothermal heat pumps.

Thermal Response Test (TRT).

Ground features of Emilia-Romagna region. i

ASHRAE method for the design of geothermal borehole field.

Sustainability of geothermal borehole fields.

g-functions method for the design of boreholes.

Payback time calculation linked to an energy renovation action.

Exergy evaluation. 

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1 (Solar Energy)

Duffie JA Beckman WA, Solar Engineering of Thermal Processes, 4th edition, J. Wiley & Sons, 2013

Module 2 (Geothermal Energy)

Slides of Sistemi Solari e Geotermici M Module 2, prepared by the teacher and available online in the website https://campus.unibo.it/.

The slides are available also in printed form at the documentation center of the School of Engineering and Architecture, Viale Risorgimento 2, close to the library Dore, at the first floor of the historic building.

Further reading for technical insights (not necessary for the exam)

ASHRAE 2007 Handbook, HVAC Applications, Chapter 32.

S. Kavanaugh, K. Rafferty, Geothermal Heating and Cooling. Design of Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems. ASHRAE, Atlanta, 2014.

UNI 11466 2012. Sistemi geotermici a pompa di calore. Requisiti per il dimensionamento e la progettazione.

Teaching methods

Module 1 (Solar Energy)

Each lesson (in Italian) covers both theoretical and practical aspects. At least, one numerical example is shown for each topic.

Lessons are made by using slides (powerpoint).

Module 2 (Geothermal Energy)

The main teaching method consists of lectures on theory and practical applications presented in classroom by the teacher at the blackboard, with the aid of slides and a video projector for some images.

Teaching includes two laboratory exercises that take place in the Laboratory of Technical Physics of the Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), located in Via Terrracini 34.

Attending the lectures in classroom and the laboratory exercises is important to obtain a sound knowledge of the matter. However, the student can obtain the highest vote in the exam also if she/he does not attend the lectures in classroom and the laboratory exercises.

Assessment methods

Module 1 (Solar Energy)

The exam is composed by two tests:

1) one written test (a numerical solution of a design problem)

2) one oral test consisting in one question on a topic of the Course.

Module 2 (Geothermal Energy)

The assessment method is an oral exam, including two questions. In order to obtain the highest vote (30 cum laude) the student must show that she/he understood the topics requested and can explain them. The failure in the exam happens if the student shows that she/he does not know at all, or misunderstood completely, a fundamental topic.

Teaching tools

Module 1 (Solar Energy)

Lessons are made by using slides (powerpoint).

A pdf copy of the slides (in Italian) is available on line for UNIBO students at https://campus.unibo.it/.

Module 2 (Geothermal Energy)

Audiovisual systems; computer classroom and loop for Thermal Response Tests available at the laboratory of Technical Physics (Fisica Tecnica), Department DIN, Via Terracini 34. Learning material available online: https://campus.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Gian Luca Morini

See the website of Enzo Zanchini