VJ

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY 9

Geothermal

  • It comes from the Greek words “geo” which means “earth” and “therme" which means “heat.”

Geothermal Energy

  • It is the heat within the earth. 

  • Its main source is the core of the Earth. 


Types of Geothermal Power Plant


Geothermal Plant

Description

Dry Steam

drives turbine through factures

Flash Steam

makes high pressure water into low pressure water

Binary Plant

uses secondary fluid into vapor

Underground Pipe

in series which fluid circulates

Electric Compressor and Heat Exchange

pulls heat from the pipe and send it through duct system




How Does the Geothermal Power Plant Work?

1. Hot water is pumped from underground through a well under high pressure.

2. When the water reaches the surface, the pressure is dropped, which causes the water to turn into steam.

3. The steam spins the turbine, which is connected to the generator that produces electricity.

4. The steam cools off in the cooling tower and condenses back to water.

5. The cooled water is pumped back into the Earth. 


The Use of Geothermal Energy

  • Direct Use of Heating System

  • Source of Electricity

  • Temperature Control Above Ground

  • Direct Use of Hot Water

  • Used as Dryer or Dehydration


Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy


Advantage

Disadvantage

can be extracted without burning fossil fuel

poses environmental problems

produce clean carbon dioxide

release hydrogen sulfide (smells like rotten egg)

no emissions

disposes toxic geothermal fluids 

always available