Application of electric and electromagnetic methods, combined with thermal properties analysis, to the characterization of low and medium enthalpy geothermal resources

Abstract

The relationship between the thermal properties of the ground and the efficiency of geothermal installations located in the ground is well known. The different geologies and subsurface structures have a decisive influence on the behavior of a given location with respect to heat exchanges. The electrical and electromagnetic methods of geophysical prospecting can be useful in determining the compositions and structures present in a given area in order to be able to perform energy modeling that will help to design more precisely the ideal geothermal heat exchanger for that area. In this work we study the relationship, observed in different studies, between the geological structure and the electromagnetic magnitude measurements collected from these prospecting methods. Possibilities are also explored in contact with the idea of relating electromagnetic and thermal magnitudes in the search for new ideas to develop more accurate methods of geophysical prospecting of the geothermal resource.