subject: How Does Geothermal Energy Work [print this page] How Does Geothermal Energy Work How Does Geothermal Energy Work
Geo' meaning earth and therme' meaning heat are derived from Greek language which denotes earth heat. This is the basis for geothermal energy. It is found that some hundred miles beneath the earth surface, the temperature is up to 100'C which is enough to boil water. The temperature is higher than the earth's land surface due to the radioactive process. This heat energy termed as geothermal energy can be used to produce electricity. It is true that spending a single unit of current in geothermic plant pays 3 or 4 units in return. The temperature inside the earth's crust being greater than earth's surface is the reason why geothermic plants are built. The Geothermal energy can be used to heat a building. In an ordinary building, hot water can be provided to the thermal plants by rushing cold water under the surface of the earth and pushing up back to the earth's surface. The result is the water gets heated when it reaches the bottom and return as hot water through pipes. One of the greatest advantages in geothermal energy is its ability to produce electricity compared to traditional generation of electricity.
Using Geo thermal energy:
Geothermal energy which is considered to be substitute for other forms of energy in the future is utilized by thermal plants. In these plants, geothermal energy is processed in three different ways i.e. flash steam, dry steam and binary cycle.
1.In flash steam method, water heated by the below earth's surface is sprayed into a tank to create steam. This steam is used in the production of electricity.
2.In dry steam method, steam brought from below the earth surface is directed into power turbines.
3.In Binary cycle method, Water with medium temperature taken out of the earth's surface is combined with a chemical to produce steam for the use in electricity generation.
During the entire process, the only gas evolved in small content is carbon dioxide. So this process is believed that it does not emit any hazardous gases.
Implementation of Thermal Plants:
Thermal plants are expensive to build and cannot be built somewhere at some point. Regions called as Hot spots are the only place where a geothermal plant can be built. These hot spots are widely found in regions of Alaska, California and Oregon. Geothermal resources are a great source of energy and it is considered to produce electricity for a continuous period of time. Due to its growing importance, geothermal plants are expected to grow in hot spot regions.
Advantage & Disadvantage of Geothermal energy:
The advantage is that it contributes more than 5 % of the state electricity production. The energy which is otherwise called clean energy is renewable. It is sufficient to produce energy throughout. Decrease in fossil fuel spreads a serious threat about lowering fuel production. This news gives hope that electricity will be available around 24x7 until the existence of earth's inner temperature .The only disadvantage is the expense indulged in setting up a powerful thermal plant. At present only 1% of geo thermal resources is being used in the United States. Even it is expensive, once after completion energy can be produced for an indefinite period without any further expense.
Fossil fuels continue to damage earth by polluting gases. One replacement for such fuel will be Geo thermal energy which has no emission of gases that affect the green environment. Production of such energy can increase electricity supply along with reduction of pollution.A Geothermal Certification received after successful completion of Geothermal Course can build you a new career in the field of energy consumption.
