The validation of the LMC device : analysis of Icelandic basaltic rocks

• Main Author: Ruether, Johanna
• Other Authors: Háskólinn á Akureyri
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: RES. The School for Renewable Energy Science; Renewable energy sources; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Orkumál; Jarðhitarannsóknir; Akureyri; Lambda
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/7744

Verkefnið er unnið í tengslum við Háskóla Íslands og Háskólann á Akureyri Thermal conductivity and diffusivity are geothermal parameters that characterize and categorize a geothermal reservoir. These physical features can be determined by optical scanning techniques. To improve the geothermal exploration of bedrocks a new optical scanning device called Lambda Measuring Center (LMC) has been developed. The instrument is able to measure the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of solids. The approach of this thesis is to validate the LMC device proceeding via statistical analyses of Icelandic basaltic rocks’ thermal conductivity and diffusivity. The geological analysis is supplemented by an Icelandic study. 270 samples are collected and analyzed with respect to thermal conductivity and diffusivity for the program. Additionally 120 of the samples have been observed by the state-of-the-art instrument Thermal Conductivity Scanning (TCS). As a result of the comparison of the two data series the new tool is statistically analyzed and evaluated. The calibration of the LMC device to the TCS tool is rudimentary implemented. Tributary to the validation of the tool, the relation of thermal conductivity to varying texture in basalts is analyzed. The study shows that the LMC device cannot be recommended for routine field measurements. Otherwise laboratory measurements done by the LMC have a slightly higher quality than the results obtained by the TCS. The comparison of the two devices shows that the analyzed geothermal parameters differ. Variations in the results are caused by differing deployed standards and heating intensities.