ENSY 4500U – Geo-Engineered Systems

The course provides students with an understanding of geothermal applications within energy systems. The main focus is geothermal as it relates to heating and cooling buildings. The geothermal facility at the university is used as a model (with a field-laboratory on the specific facility). Geothermal applications for larger buildings as well as single family residences are evaluated (costs, design, pros and cons for Ontario, the rest of Canada and globally). Geothermal applications for electricity generation are studied (technologies, application, geographies with the most promise). About 20 per cent of the course is reserved for an overview of the global applicability of geo-engineering as a means to address climate change. Technologies are studied and assessed, and a preliminary analysis of the geo-political ramifications of various geo-engineering options reviewed.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Laboratory hours: 2 (monthly)