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 |