What Is Geothermal Energy
At Earth's core, there is the constant decay of radioactive particles. This process generates higher temperatures than the surface of the sun. The heat produced is referred to as geothermal energy. This energy can be harnessed to produce electricity. Because radioactive decay is a constant in the Earth's core, geothermal energy is a renewable resource of infinite supply especially over geothermal reservoirs.
Questions On Geothermal Energy
What Is a Geothermal Reservoir: Geothermal reservoirs are any place where geothermal activity is taking place abundantly. This includes any volcanic activity. Volcanic belts, hot-spots, geysers, and hot-springs are all signs that there is a geothermal reservoirs below. Geothermal Reservoirs are usually located on plate boundaries.
How Is Geothermal Energy Created: The constant decay of radioactive active particles produces incredibly high temperatures. This all takes place in Earth's molten iron core. The decay keeps the core at temperatures of 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit (6,000 degrees C). That heat energy (thermal energy) is called geothermal energy due to being produced in the from a process that takes place in the Earth's geosphere.
How Does Geothermal Energy Produce Electricity: Different geothermal power plants have different methods in using the energy to create electricity. In all methods, the heat is used to boil and steam water. The The steam or condensed water is put through a generator with a turbine. The heat from the water churns the turbine which activates the generator. The generator then converts that heat into electricity. the way the geothermal energy is applied to the water varies between plants. But all designs involve hot water and steam turning a turbine and activating a generator.
How Much Does It Cost to Install: Geothermal energy can be very expensive to install. Since the source relies solely on location, cost for searching, drill testing and then installation can reach shocking prices. Geothermal heating system prices can vary, but cost for the average home may be $20,000 to $25,000 for installation. That is around double the cost to install conventional heating systems but geothermal heating can reduce utility bills 40% to 60%.
How Is Geothermal Energy Created: The constant decay of radioactive active particles produces incredibly high temperatures. This all takes place in Earth's molten iron core. The decay keeps the core at temperatures of 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit (6,000 degrees C). That heat energy (thermal energy) is called geothermal energy due to being produced in the from a process that takes place in the Earth's geosphere.
How Does Geothermal Energy Produce Electricity: Different geothermal power plants have different methods in using the energy to create electricity. In all methods, the heat is used to boil and steam water. The The steam or condensed water is put through a generator with a turbine. The heat from the water churns the turbine which activates the generator. The generator then converts that heat into electricity. the way the geothermal energy is applied to the water varies between plants. But all designs involve hot water and steam turning a turbine and activating a generator.
How Much Does It Cost to Install: Geothermal energy can be very expensive to install. Since the source relies solely on location, cost for searching, drill testing and then installation can reach shocking prices. Geothermal heating system prices can vary, but cost for the average home may be $20,000 to $25,000 for installation. That is around double the cost to install conventional heating systems but geothermal heating can reduce utility bills 40% to 60%.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Stable/Efficient Source Very Low Utility Costs Environment Friendly Renewable/Infinite Source of Energy Stable Pricing(Electricity and Heating/Cooling) Very Effective for Heating/Cooling Purposes Can be Installed at Local Levels Small Land Footprint for Installation(small,effective plants) |
Cons
Localized Environment Issues (volcanic activity, localized emissions) Earthquake Activity( including areas not prone to them) High Development/Installation Costs Mass Geothermal Energy is Location Specific High Connection Costs (connection of big cities to a plant) Geothermal Reservoirs Aren't Always Sustainable (Natural processes, human activity, and weather differences alter reservoirs) |
Interesting Facts
1. Humans have used geothermal energy for thousands of years in the form of hot-springs
2. The oldest known spa based around hot-springs are in the Lisan Mountain of China. A stone pool with a hot-springs was estimated to be 2,300 years old. Since around 300 b.c.
3. Geothermal energy plants contribute around 30% of all electricity production in the Philippines and Iceland
4. In some places in Iceland, hot water from geothermal plants are ran underneath paved roads to melt ice.
5. Geothermal steam and hot water contain traces of hydrogen sulfide, which produces a rotten egg smell.
2. The oldest known spa based around hot-springs are in the Lisan Mountain of China. A stone pool with a hot-springs was estimated to be 2,300 years old. Since around 300 b.c.
3. Geothermal energy plants contribute around 30% of all electricity production in the Philippines and Iceland
4. In some places in Iceland, hot water from geothermal plants are ran underneath paved roads to melt ice.
5. Geothermal steam and hot water contain traces of hydrogen sulfide, which produces a rotten egg smell.
Works Cited
www.UCSUSA.org
www.Energyhomes.org
www.vittana.org
www.Sciencekid.co.nz
www.Energyhomes.org
www.vittana.org
www.Sciencekid.co.nz