Project: Research on a thermally loaded rock - perspectives of underground thermal energy storage
This four-year project (2011–2014) is designed to study the thermal energy flow in the rock environment built of granitic rocks, both in terms of efficiency as well as safety. In the frame of an in-situ experiment a study of heat load of rock is carried out in underground laboratory of the Josef adit (Central Bohemia) about 120m below the surface. In addition, the project includes laboratory experiments and field mapping and investigation of the neighboring geological units. The main objective of the laboratory and field experiments and related studies is to confirm or eliminate any possible changes in physical and chemical parameters of granitic rocks exposed to thermal load of maximum 100 ° C. Appropriate attention is also paid to changes in the flow and circulation of groundwater and to the deformation of the rock massif caused by heating. These are the key parameters necessary for the safe design and construction of underground structures and facilities intended for the storage of thermal energy or for disposal of waste materials that produce heat.
The project is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic (Project Number: FR-TI3/325).
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