For the low-temperature geothermal utilization such as geothermal heat pumps, understanding of geological and hydrological structures is as important as reduction of the drilling cost in Japan. Underground heat energy is unevenly distributed due to groundwater flow. The objective of our research is to develop a 3D resources assessment technique for low-temperature geothermal utilization. We will develop techniques for analyzing 3D thermal and hydrological structure based on the subsurface temperature distribution, groundwater chemistry, and geology. We will also establish a guideline for utilization of low-temperature geothermal resources based on numerical simulation results. Once the amount of utilizable low-temperature geothermal energy and environmental influence is evaluated through this research, in stallation of geothermal heat pumps may be promoted in Japan.

AIST Today; Vol. 1, No. 8 (2001) 19
http://www.gifu-u.ac.jp/~tmohtani/geoheat/index-e.html