Background
Geothermal energy is the energy that can be harnessed using the heat that occurs naturally in the Earth. This heat can be found in volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers [1]. The high temperatures range from 225º F- 600º F [2] and occur in these areas due primarily to the decay of radio-active isotopes that occur within the rocks in the Earth's crust [3]. The surrounding ground water can then be heated, or water can be pumped into the hot areas to produce steam. This steam is what is captured to be used to create electricity through a turbine system.
Types and/or methods
There are three common types of geothermal power: dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle. Dry steam uses the steam directly from the Earth, flash steam pumps water into the hot areas to boil the water and create steam, and binary cycle uses a secondary fluid to power a generator[4] .
Type 1
Description example
Type 2
Description example
Type 3
Description example (greater than 360º F)
Utilized areas
Under-utilized areas
Further reading
References
- ↑ http://iceland.ednet.ns.ca/schedule.htm[[1]]
- ↑ http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10470[[2]]
- ↑ Duffield, Wendell A. and Sass, John H. Geothermal Energy—Clean Power From the Earth’s Heat. U.S. Geological Survey: Circular 1249 [[3]]
- ↑ http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=10470 [[4]]