Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2014, Geological Sciences (Arts and Sciences)

Traditionally, geothermal resources have required access to large amounts of heat, often in tectonically active basins. More recently, Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) have been used for heating and cooling applications in basins with less heat available in the shallow crustal material. Conventionally, GSHPs exchange heat with either saturated or unsaturated soils or bedrock, or water, at an increased efficiency compared to traditional heating and cooling systems. This study is focused on characterizing the potential of using flooded abandoned underground mines (AUM) in Ohio for heat exchange using GSHP technology. This study identified 147 possible mine sites, spanning 21 counties, which might be used for GSHP installations in Ohio. The mines have an estimated average maximum residence time of 6 years and an estimated average minimum residence time of 3.5 years. It was estimated here that, on average, 1010 kJ/°C of heat energy could be extracted from the mine waters. An individual site study was investigated for possible GSHP application, at the Corning Mine Complex in Perry County, Ohio. Temperature and hydraulic head sensors were installed into monitoring wells drilled into the mine void. The results from the Corning study show that the mine is thermally stable throughout the year and that the average temperature within the mine void is related to the thickness of overburden above the void. The residence time of water within the mine is 3.6 years with an extractable heat of 3.45 x 1010 kJ/°C. Overall, this study has shown that there is sufficient heat available within AUMs for heat exchange using GSHP technologies and that these mines could be a valuable resource for heating and cooling applications in Ohio.

Committee: Dina Lopez (Advisor) Subjects: Environmental Geology; Geochemistry; Geology; Hydrology