1. Influence of geology, hydrogeology, and climate on ground source heat pump distribution in Slovenia and selected European countriesSimona Adrinek, Mitja Janža, Rao Martand Singh, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is a renewable energy that could contribute to the decarbonatization of the heating and cooling sector. SGE is predominantly harnessed through ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. The choice of which type of GSHP system depends on various factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of GSHP systems and fostering their implementation. In this paper, we have analysed the spatial distribution of GSHPs in Slovenia. We identified 1073 groundwater and 1122 ground-coupled heat pump systems with a total heat pump capacity of almost 30 MW. We quantitatively assessed the influence of geological, hydrogeological, and climate conditions on their spatial distribution. Using the χ2 test and information value method, we identified hydrogeological conditions as the most influential factor for the GSHP systems’ spatial distribution. We also performed the spatial analysis of geological and hydrogeological data in 22 European countries, including Slovenia. We collected the reported numbers of installed GSHP units in 2020 and were able to distinguish the shares of groundwater and ground-coupled heat pump systems for 12 of these countries. The analysis showed that ground-coupled heat pumps predominate in most countries, even if the natural conditions are favourable for groundwater heat pumps.
Keywords: shallow geothermal energy, renewable heating and cooling, ground-source heat pump, spatial distribution, natural condition
Published in DiRROS: 19.03.2024; Views: 75; Downloads: 40
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2. Impact of Open-Loop Systems on Groundwater Temperature in NE SloveniaSimona Adrinek, Mitja Janža, Mihael Brenčič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: To achieve sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to understand the heat transfer in the subsurface of the planned geothermal system. In the City Municipality of Murska Sobota, NE Slovenia, the use of geothermal open-loop systems has increased in recent years. Their high spatial density raises the question of possible mutual interference between the systems. By compiling geological, hydrogeological, and thermal data, obtained from the monitoring network, fieldwork, and knowledge of regional hydrogeological conditions, we have developed a transient groundwater flow and heat transfer model to evaluate the impact of the open-loop systems on the subsurface and surrounding systems. The transient simulation showed that the thermal state in the observed area is restored over the summer, when the systems are not in operation. Also, the systems do not have significant mutual interference that would affect their efficiency. However, as interest in installing new systems in the area increases, simulations of the thermal plumes of new geothermal systems are needed to ensure sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal energy in the future.
Keywords: geothermal energy, open-loop system, groundwater heat pump, intergranular aquifer, numerical modelling, thermal plume
Published in DiRROS: 19.09.2023; Views: 358; Downloads: 94
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3. Review of the research and evolution of landslides in the hinterland of Koroška Bela settlement (NW Slovenia)Tina Peternel, Ela Šegina, Jernej Jež, Mateja Jemec Auflič, Mitja Janža, Janko Logar, Matjaž Mikoš, Miloš Bavec, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: This paper gives an overview of landslide research and the activity of landslides located above the Koroška Bela settlement in Northwest Slovenia. There are several landslides in this area and they pose a direct threat to the settlement below. The settlement is very densely populated (about 2,100 inhabitants) and has well-developed industry and infrastructure. It is built on deposits from past debris flows, indicating that large slope mass movements have occurred in the past. In this regard, the hinterland of Koroška Bela has been investigated since 2006, within the framework of various research, technical and European projects. The most extensive geological and geotechnical investigations were carried out after April 2017, when part of the Čikla landslide collapsed and mobilised into a debris flow. All of the investigations which have been carried out over the years revealed that the hinterland of Koroška Bela is characterised by high landslide activity due to geological, hydrogeological and tectonic conditions. In order to protect people and their property, it is essential to implement a holistic mitigation measure which includes remediation works (drainage works, debris flow breaker, etc.) and non-structural measures (monitoring system, early warning system, risk management, etc.). Regular and continuous monitoring of all landslides is also crucial to observe the landslide dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of structural mitigation measures.
Keywords: landslide, debris flow, research, monitoring, landslide evolution, Koroška Bela
Published in DiRROS: 03.10.2022; Views: 640; Downloads: 178
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4. Evaluation of thermal conductivity estimation models with laboratory-measured thermal conductivities of sedimentsSimona Adrinek, Rao Martand Singh, Mitja Janža, Mateusz Żeruń, Grzegorz Ryżyński, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Thermal conductivity is one of the key parameters for estimating low-temperature geothermal potential. In addition to field techniques, it can be determined based on physical parameters of the sediment measured in the laboratory. Following the methodology for cohesive and non-cohesive sample preparation, laboratory measurements were carried out on 30 samples of sediments. Density, porosity and water content of samples were measured and used in thermal conductivity estimation models (TCEM). The bulk thermal conductivity (λb) calculated with six TCEMs was compared with the measured λb to evaluate the predictive capacity of the analytical methods used. The results show that the empirical TCEMs are suitable to predict the λb of the analysed sediment types, with the standard deviation of the residuals (RMSE) ranging from 0.11 to 0.35 Wm−1 K−1. To improve the fit, this study provides a new modified parameterisation of two empirical TCEMs (Kersten and Côté&Konrad model) and, therefore, suggests the most suitable TCEMs for specific sample conditions. The RMSE ranges from 0.11 to 0.29 Wm−1 K−1. Mixing TCEM showed an RMSE of up to 2.00 Wm−1 K−1, meaning they are not suitable for predicting sediment λb. The study provides an insight into the analytical determination of thermal conductivity based on the physical properties of sediments. The results can help to estimate the low-temperature geothermal potential more quickly and easily and promote the sustainable use of this renewable energy source, which has applications in environmental and engineering science.
Keywords: thermal conductivity, non-cohesive sediment, cohesive sediment, estimation model
Published in DiRROS: 25.08.2022; Views: 552; Downloads: 249
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5. Characterizing the groundwater flow regime in a landslide recharge area using stable isotopes: a case study of the Urbas landslide area in NW SloveniaKatja Koren, Luka Serianz, Mitja Janža, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Slope stability strongly depends on the prevailing hydrological and hydrogeological conditions. The amount and intensity of precipitation and changing groundwater levels are important landslide triggering factors. Environmental tracers, including the chemical and stable isotope compositions of precipitation and groundwater, were used to gain insight into the groundwater dynamics of the Urbas landslide. The landslide is situated in a mountainous area with steep slopes and high precipitation amount and poses a high risk for the safety of the Koroška Bela settlement that lies downstream. The stable isotope analyses of oxygen-18 (18O) and deuterium (2H) in the precipitation and groundwater were used to estimate the groundwater mean residence time and the average altitude of the landslide recharge area. This information will help to plan and prioritize remedial landslide measures aiming to reduce the recharge of the landslide body and, thus, lower the risk of transformation of the sliding material into debris flow. The results of the chemical analysis of samples taken from springs and a piezometer show a Ca–HCO3 water type. This indicates low water–rock interaction in a landslide area composed of Upper Carboniferous and Permian clastic rocks and points to upper laying carbonate rocks and scree deposits as the main recharge area. Water samples for stable isotope analyses of δ18O and δ2H were collected from a rain gauge, springs, and a piezometer over a two-year period (2018–2020). The estimated mean recharge altitude of the groundwater at sampling points was from approximately 1700 to 1800 m a.s.l. with a mean residence time of 2–5 months.
Keywords: landslide, groundwater, stable isotopes, oxygen-18, deuterium, hydrogeology, recharge dynamic
Published in DiRROS: 16.03.2022; Views: 721; Downloads: 303
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6. Predlogi za izboljšanje razmer na področju upravljanja vodnih virovBrigita Jamnik, Mitja Janža, Joerg Prestor, Aleš Smrekar, Urša Vilhar, Branka Bračič-Železnik, Mateja Breg Valjavec, 2012, final research report Keywords: hidrologija, upravljanje vodnih virov, razmere
Published in DiRROS: 12.07.2017; Views: 2713; Downloads: 723
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