Geothermal energy is one of the newest energies on the market. Usage is a huge part of how energy sources can take a giant leap ahead of current resources. Geothermal means that the energy comes from hot water reservoirs in the earth's surface. They can be brought to the surface to be used in many applications. Most of these are located on the western part of the United States.
The benefits of Geothermal energy is the accessibility and green footprint it provides. This energy is renewable because the extraction rate can be balanced based on the recharge rate of the energy itself. It also can produce and run 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Another reason for its use is the power that can be created without the addition of outside resources. For example, it can be a resource that can be used without the need of alternate/partner sources. The last and most beneficial reason for geothermal energy use is the energy's clean air emissions and lack of pollution. Geothermal plants don’t emit any greenhouse gases, producing minimal emissions compared to natural gas, while consuming even less water than other sources of energy. That gives geothermal a huge advantage in its contribution of good, healthy energy.
The benefits of Geothermal energy is the accessibility and green footprint it provides. This energy is renewable because the extraction rate can be balanced based on the recharge rate of the energy itself. It also can produce and run 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Another reason for its use is the power that can be created without the addition of outside resources. For example, it can be a resource that can be used without the need of alternate/partner sources. The last and most beneficial reason for geothermal energy use is the energy's clean air emissions and lack of pollution. Geothermal plants don’t emit any greenhouse gases, producing minimal emissions compared to natural gas, while consuming even less water than other sources of energy. That gives geothermal a huge advantage in its contribution of good, healthy energy.
So what does run on geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is used in three distinct ways in the Western part of the United States; Direct energy, heat pumps, and through power plants. Our job is to tap to this source to create energy.
Starting with direct geothermal energy, it is essential when geothermal energy can be transferred directly to places that need electricity. Geothermal water flows through a heat exchanger which provides heat for buildings and homes. This water is then drained back into the reservoir and the cycle continuously repeats itself.
Geothermal heat pump is next. Simply put, the way this system works is that the temperature of the soil and water are between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit which means the perfect temperature to heat and cool homes. Pipes are used to transfer the heat from underground to buildings and vice versa. An electric compressor and heat exchanger are used to send the heat through the building.
Last but not least, power plants play a critical role in how geothermal energy is used. Electricity can be powered from steam and hot water from underground. There are three different types of power plants. The first is called a dry steam plant and it is really easy to understand. Hot steam is directly pushed into the plant to push turbines. Flash steam plants are used with water that is much hotter. This water is brought through a well and then the steam will push the turbines, then it will cool and condense back to water and the cycle repeats. Binary cycle plants use moderate to hot water. The water is passed through a heat exchange and then the steam spins the turbines.
One huge example of this usage of geothermal energy exists on The Ohio State University Campus. The construction on the South district showed that the University wanted to expand on beneficial energy method projects. This geothermal energy kept the temperature in the residence halls on south campus regulated in both the summer and winter months. A total of 411wells were drilled forming a closed loop system. This will transfer energy from the ground to the high rise dorms on south campus. Each well was drilled to a depth of 550 feet and the energy produced from the project will now cover about 31 percent of the total energy consumed on that side of campus. The plan of this project is just one of many that Ohio State uses to cut back on how much energy is consumed on campus each and every day.
Geothermal energy is used in three distinct ways in the Western part of the United States; Direct energy, heat pumps, and through power plants. Our job is to tap to this source to create energy.
Starting with direct geothermal energy, it is essential when geothermal energy can be transferred directly to places that need electricity. Geothermal water flows through a heat exchanger which provides heat for buildings and homes. This water is then drained back into the reservoir and the cycle continuously repeats itself.
Geothermal heat pump is next. Simply put, the way this system works is that the temperature of the soil and water are between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit which means the perfect temperature to heat and cool homes. Pipes are used to transfer the heat from underground to buildings and vice versa. An electric compressor and heat exchanger are used to send the heat through the building.
Last but not least, power plants play a critical role in how geothermal energy is used. Electricity can be powered from steam and hot water from underground. There are three different types of power plants. The first is called a dry steam plant and it is really easy to understand. Hot steam is directly pushed into the plant to push turbines. Flash steam plants are used with water that is much hotter. This water is brought through a well and then the steam will push the turbines, then it will cool and condense back to water and the cycle repeats. Binary cycle plants use moderate to hot water. The water is passed through a heat exchange and then the steam spins the turbines.
One huge example of this usage of geothermal energy exists on The Ohio State University Campus. The construction on the South district showed that the University wanted to expand on beneficial energy method projects. This geothermal energy kept the temperature in the residence halls on south campus regulated in both the summer and winter months. A total of 411wells were drilled forming a closed loop system. This will transfer energy from the ground to the high rise dorms on south campus. Each well was drilled to a depth of 550 feet and the energy produced from the project will now cover about 31 percent of the total energy consumed on that side of campus. The plan of this project is just one of many that Ohio State uses to cut back on how much energy is consumed on campus each and every day.