| Title | Quantifying the Effects of Porosity and Saturation on Rock Thermal Properties: TCS Measurements From the RINGEN Research Centre |
|---|---|
| Authors | Katarína Krejzlová |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Thermal conductivity, Thermal diffusivity, Porosity, Water content, Optical scanning, RINGEN |
| Abstract | The RINGEN Research Centre in Litoměřice, Czech Republic, serves as a test site for multiple EU-funded geothermal projects, including SYNERGYS and PUSH-IT. A central component of these initiatives is the design of borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) systems, whose performance critically depends on the thermal properties of subsurface rocks. This study presents laboratory-based experimental measurements and analysis of the effects of porosity and water content on thermal properties of sedimentary rocks retrieved from exploration boreholes drilled within the PUSH-IT project. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were determined using the Thermal Conductivity Scanner (TCS), which operates based on optical scanning techniques. Measurements were performed on both dry and water-saturated rock samples, with orientations parallel and perpendicular to the bedding planes. Results demonstrate a clear inverse relationship between porosity and both thermal conductivity and diffusivity. Saturated samples consistently showed higher thermal conductivity than dry ones, with the difference increasing at higher porosity levels. Thermal diffusivity showed more complex behavior due to its dependence on both conductivity and specific heat capacity. The measurements also revealed anisotropic thermal behavior related to the rock fabric. The findings highlight the importance of laboratory measurements in evaluating the geothermal potential and thermal performance of geological materials for engineering applications. |