Geothermal EnergyDavid McArdle

What is it?• Geothermal energy - The process of

extracting power from underground heat that is produced by the earth’s warm core.

• It is a renewable energy because the earth’s core will always be warm

• Currently geothermal energy produces about 1% of earth’s energy

• First geothermal generator was created in 1904

• It is used in a lot of houses today to heat the house during winter and cool it during winter

Geothermal Power Plants

• Power plants are capable of producing about 15 MW of power per year

• Larger plant’s pipes go about 50 to 60 miles underground where temperatures range from 1,200 and 2,200°F (650 to 1,200°C)

• Power plants found in about 20 countries• No harmful effects to the environment

Geothermal Houses• Pipes are placed underground 5 to 250 feet, depending on location• Pumps cycle water through the pipes which serves a different purpose during the

winter and summerSummer

•Geothermal unit extracts warm air from the house which is absorbed the a liquid•During summer the ground temp is cooler than air temp•The warm water is cycled through the pipes and cooled down•The cool water cools the air which is sent through vents in the house

Winter•In winter the ground temperature is warmer than the air temperature•Cool water is pumped through underground pipes to absorb underground heat•The heated water warms up air which is sent back through the house and the water is cycled back underground

Fun facts

• The largest geothermal power plant in the world is located in California

• The Philippines and Iceland are the only countries to generate a significant percentage of their electricity from geothermal sources; in both countries 15-20% of power comes from geothermal plants