May 06, 2015
Origin of Geothermal Energy
Different Geothermal Energy Sources
How Direct Use WorkDirect Sources function by sending water down a well to be heated by the Earth’s warmth.
Then a heat pump is used to take the heat from the underground water to the substance that heats the house.
Then after the water it is cooled is injected back into the Earth.
Direct Application of Geothermal Energy
Generation of Electricity
Dry Steam Plant
Flash Steam Plant
Binary Cycle Plant
Hot Dry Rocks
Homegrown Energy
Geothermal Heat PumpsLow maintenance charge
produces 4 times the energy that they consume
Can be online 90-100% of the time
Less gaseous emissions
Good Alternative to Fossil Fuels
Electricity generated by geothermal plants saves 83.3 million barrels of fuel each year
Direct use of geothermal energy prevents 103.6 million barrels of fuel each year
Positive Attributes
Geothermal’s Harmful Effects
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS per unit of energy produced
Comparison of CO2 emissions between conventional energy systems and geothermal plants to generate electricity.
Comparison of harmful emissions between a conventional oil fired central heating system and water/water based heat pumps
Conclusion
• As of 2010 geothermal energy is being used in 24 countries.
• These countries currently have geothermal power
plants with a total capacity of 10.7 GW
• But 88% of it is generated in just seven countries: the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Italy, New Zealand, and Iceland
Thank You!