Sharing vision, research and experimentation
On 6th March 2024, the European project GEOSYN – funded under Horizon Europe – officially kicked off its dissemination activities with the first webinar dedicated to partners, stakeholders and operators interested in the new frontiers of geothermal energy for industry.
During the meeting, the main objectives of the project were discussed: to develop an integrated solution based on high temperature heat pumps and refrigeration systems powered by geothermal sources, using only water as the working fluid. This approach aims to maximise the cascading use of geothermal heat for heating and cooling, with minimal environmental impact and high energy efficiency.
The role of academic research
The University of Florence presented the thermal modelling and functional design of the system, with a focus on optimising energy cycles and simulating different operating scenarios. The research focuses on the creation of a flexible and scalable system, suitable for different industrial sectors.
The contribution of industry: the Rivacold case
The Italian company Rivacold illustrated the technical development path of the GEOSYN prototype: from the monitoring of the geothermal steam line in a real industrial site (a Tuscan dairy) to the design, installation and start-up of a high temperature heat pump (HTHP) and a dedicated cooling system. Laboratory and field tests will validate the system under real operating conditions, contributing to the refinement of the model and preparation for industrial-scale application.
A shared European vision
Coordinated by APRE, the GEOSYN project brings together 10 partners from 5 European countries, combining technical, scientific and industrial expertise. The objective is ambitious: to demonstrate that it is possible to decarbonise industrial processes and optimise the energy balance through renewable, flexible and sustainable technologies. The webinar was an important first step in this direction, strengthening the dialogue between research, industry and public stakeholders.
WEBINAR AGENDA
A webinar seeks to introduce the project solutions and technology technological innovations, as well as the potential impacts.
downloadDownload the webinar presentations
GEOSYN_Overview – Chiara Pocaterra – APRE
downloadGeothermal Heating and Cooling Integration for Industrial Applications – Dario Bonciani – COSVIG
downloadThermal Design for Optimal Energy Cascade Utilisation – Adriano Milazzo – UNIFI
downloadGEOSYN_Case Studies and validating the GEOSYN design – Giuseppe Vitri – RIVACOLD
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