Geothermal Energy: An Introduction
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GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AN INTRODUCTION
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Transcript of Geothermal Energy: An Introduction
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
AN INTRODUCTION
In a phrase,"geothermal
energy" is the use ofthe earth's heat to
produce usableenergy.
Using the earth's natural heat is one ofthe oldest forms of energy. We've been
taking advantage of natural hotsprings since the stone age!
HOWDOESIT WORKBreaking it all down.
?
There's at least threedifferent ways geothermal
energy can be harnessed:Directly, with heat pumps,
or with a power plant.
DIRECTHEATING
METHOD ONE
The most simple method is directheating. Naturally hot water is
redirected into homes and offices.Once it passes through the buildingssystem, it flows back to the source to
be heated again.
02
Heat Pumps
A pipe system circulatesfluid throughout
naturally warm soil.Heat is then pulled fromthese pipes and used to
heat the building in asimilar fashion to the
direct method.
Need to cool it?Those same pipes
can draw heat out ofthe building and
away towards theground, where it iseasily re-absorbed.
3.Using a
Generator
Heat can be pipedup and used to
generate electricityvia a geothermalpower plant, and
the steam frombelow can be used to
power turbines.
