Introducing the PhD themes of our young researchers - Karlo Borko
Influence of Hydrogeological and Geothermal Factors on Heat Storage Potential in the Subsurface
Karlo Borko holds a Master's degree in geology from the University of Zagreb. His PhD studies the influence of hydrogeological and geothermal factors on the potential of underground thermal storage, with a focus on aquifer thermal underground storage systems (ATES) and geoprobes (BTES). It investigates the use of fibre optics to perform continuous geothermal measurements, such as DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) and A-DTS (Advanced Distributed Temperature Sensing), with the aim of developing a methodology to estimate the heat storage capacity under different geological and hydrogeological conditions. It focuses on the advanced interpretation of Thermal Response Tests (TRTs) and Enhanced Thermal Response Tests (E-TRTs) as methods to assess the thermal properties of aquifers, which will allow a more accurate understanding of their energy storage potential. The aim of the research is to contribute to the understanding of the role of hydrogeological and geothermal factors in the design and optimisation of underground thermal storage systems in order to predict the behaviour of these systems under realistic conditions. This dissertation is a contribution to better utilisation of geothermal resources and more efficient storage of renewable energy sources.
The supervisor of the doctoral thesis is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nina Rman.