FREAパンフレット（英語）

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ResearchSubjectsResearchSubjects●Understanding and visualization of phenomena in reservoirs●Development of optimal creation and control technologies　of reservoirs●Development of sensing system for monitoring geothermal　energy using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), 　optical fibers, etc.●Development of advanced database of geothermal resources●Development of geothermal energy simulator●Exploration of the possibility of exploiting supercritical　geothermal resources originating from subduction zoneGeothermal Energy Team●Development of ground source heat pump (GSHP) system 　suitability maps based on geologic and groundwater field data●Conceptual design of optimization technology for GSHP system●Promotion of GSHP studies in Southeast AsiaExploration of geothermal resources (Kakkonda Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefec-ture)Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant (Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture)Matsukawa Geotheothermalrmal Power Plant (Hachimantai,ItPft)Shallow Geothermal and Hydrogeology TeamEnergy Saving in Air Conditioning Using“Constant Temperature Condition of Underground”Proper Use of “Gift from the Earth, Geothermal Energy”Integration and visualization system of microseismic data (monitoring image of injected water behavior)Concept of supercritical geothermal systemenergy, whose temperature is almost con-stant all year around, to save energy used for air conditioning, etc. To effectively use GSHP, it is important to understand the subsurface hydrogeological conditions of the site. Therefore, the team conducts geological boring surveys, groundwater temperature distribution surveys, and regional scale groundwater flow-heat transport modelling, to investigate the fea-sibility of a GSHP system (GSHP suitabil-ity) suitable for the subsurface environ-ment of the area.The team is also conducting studies on the development of GSHP systems suitable for different subsurface conditions. At FREA’s GSHP demonstration test site, the team is conducting experiments with a combination of two types of heat exchangers used for shallow (1 - 2 m) and deep (40 - 50 m) underground levels, respectively. The Geological Museum of GSJ/AIST in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Pre-fecture uses the same system to investi-gate the differences in operation method and efficiency in areas having different hydrogeological conditions.The team is aiming to reduce the costs of installing the GSHP system by “visualizing” the location and depth of boring. GSHP technology utilizes the subsurface heat eothermalResearcResearcSbjExploration of geresources (KaShizukuishi, Iwatture)EpltionofgeAn example of suitability map considering regional groundwater flowConcept of a ground source heat pump systemDatabase Development for Proper Deploymentof Renewable Energy3ThemeThe team is conducting research and development to sustainably utilize geo-thermal energy on a suitable scale and in the proper form corresponding to under-ground conditions and social situations.In the short term, the team is aiming to make direct contributions to sustainable and increased geothermal power genera-tion through the development of a moni-toring system for coexistence with hot springs, monitoring of changes in the reservoirs and reservoir simulation tech-niques.In the long term, the team is aiming to introduce geothermal energy on a large scale as a base load power source through developing innovative power gen-eration technology using supercritical geothermal resources originating from sub-duction zone and establishing methods for practical incorpo-ration of geothermal energy into society.50 km100 km3 km5 km10 kmHydrothermal systemImpermeable rock Caldera Composite volcanoMagma chamberHot springUp-flow of melt Slab subductionTarget of R&D6