# Sustainable Modularity Approach to Facilities Development Based on Geothermal Energy Potential
###### Abstract  
The study presented in this paper assessed the multidisciplinary approach of geothermal potential in the area of the most southeastern part of the Pannonian basin, focused on resources utilization. This study aims to present a method for the cascade use of geothermal energy as a source of thermal energy for space heating and cooling and as a resource for balneological purposes. Two particular sites were selected--one in a natural environment; the other within a small settlement. Geothermal resources come from different types of reservoirs having different temperatures and chemical compositions. At the first site, a geothermal spring with a temperature of 20.5 \({}^{\circ}\)C is considered for heat pump utilization, while at the second site, a geothermal well with a temperature of 54 \({}^{\circ}\)C is suitable for direct use. The calculated thermal power, which can be obtained from geothermal energy is in the range of 300 to 950 kW. The development concept was proposed with an architectural design to enable sustainable energy efficient development of wellness and spa/medical facilities that can be supported by local authorities. The resulting energy heating needs for different scenarios were 16-105 kW, which can be met in full by the use of geothermal energy. geothermal energy; Pannonian basin; geothermal cascade use; energy efficiency; wellness and spa facilities; balneology; bioclimatic architecture; passive design strategies; modular building +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
_Applied_  
Sustainable Modularity Approach to Facilities Development Based on Geothermal Energy Potential  
[PERSON]  
improverishment in certain agricultural areas. Although current national and regional planning documents barely consider geothermal energy to be a strategic resource [13; 14], its great potential should be used as a tool for sustainable development, especially in areas where the abundance of this resource may help address the economic challenges and a decades-long trend of depopulation. In recent times, comprehensive research has been carried out in northern Serbia--Vojyodina province--with the aim of considering and estimating the geothermal potential. The defined potential of geothermal resources represents a strategic foundation for planning sustainable economic development, since geothermal energy is an abundant source of renewable energy that requires low-carbon and non-intermediary technology [15; 16]. A multidisciplinary research concept was applied, which tended to display, in a single place, the potential for geothermal resources to provide sustainable models for development supported by local municipalities. The areas for the application of geothermal energy were analyzed through an integrated approach of economic-commercial factors based on the main assumption of cascade use [17]. In that respect, among other things, an analysis of increasing the share of geothermal energy within the field of balneology was performed. Geothermal resources were observed both as a healing factor due to temperature and chemical composition and also as an energy source for heating and cooling facilities where geothermal waters are already used for medical and wellness purposes. The studied terrain represents a typical basin structure genetically correlated to southeastern parts of the Pannonian basin, which extends over the territory that includes present-day Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia, where it occupies terrain to the north of the Sava and Danube rivers (Figure 1) [18]. Generally speaking, the Pannonian basin represents an area that has an expressed geothermal anomaly and extraordinary geothermal potential [19; 20]. The basin's highest heat flow values, above 100 mW/m\({}^{2}\), have been registered in the northeastern part and in the central part with distribution towards the southern peripheral parts, that is, towards the Serbian basins and the Vardar zone [21; 22]. The values of geothermal gradients in the area of Vojvodina province range from 4.0 to 7.5 \({}^{\circ}\)C/100 m [23; 24].