Examples of Geothermal Energy

We explain that what are the examples of geothermal energy? The geothermal energy is the type of thermal energy (heat) coming from inside the planet Earth. It is the heat that arises due to natural processes in the earth’s crust, mantle, and core. It is, for example, the one that contains magma : molten rock within volcanoes and that, when emerging in eruptions, liquid and very hot, is called lava .

Geothermal energy is classified as Renewable and Alternative.

• It is renewable because the planet itself is generating it with its internal mechanisms
• It is alternative because its source, the Earth, replaces fossil fuels

Collection of geothermal energy

To have geothermal energy within reach, and from it to obtain electricity, the procedure that is followed is this:

• A very deep well is dug, reaching the hottest areas
• A “U” pipe is introduced that returns to the surface
• Through this pipe, water is constantly fed
• The water will evaporate in the depths (like in a geyser)
• The hot steam generated will rise to the surface through the pipe
• The steam is conducted through the pipe to some turbines
• These turbines receive the pressure of the steam and move
• This movement in the turbines, connected to an alternator, will generate electricity

The first machine to obtain geothermal energy and its transformation into electricity, was used in 1904 in the Larderello area, Italy, and invented by Prince Piero Ginori Conti. After World War II, many countries were attracted to geothermal energy because they considered themselves economically competitive with other energy sources.

The principle of operation to produce electrical energy is the same as that of thermoelectric plants, except that the latter do burn fossil fuels to produce heat and then steam.

Uses of geothermal energy

The interior of the planet is an endless source of heat. With “endless” we mean that it will be useful to us in the span of our existence. When humanity is extinguished, the planet here will continue for another long time. In some areas, internal heat will rise to the surface and can be used to heat water, produce electricity, etc.

This energy source is used especially in volcanic areas, where the difference in temperature between the earth’s interior and the surface is greater. Hence it is used for greenhouses, heating or cooking, thanks to the 400 ° C that is reached. In very cold countries like Iceland , the heating of most houses uses geothermal energy.

Examples of geothermal energy

Below are the contexts in which geothermal energy participates, based on taking advantage of geothermal fluids, which are the liquids or gases that come from the interior of the planet and that carry this energy. They are accompanied by the temperature at which they work:

1. Spa (35 ° C – 55 ° C)
2. Pool (23 ° C – 55 ° C)
3. Snow melt (40 ° C – 80 ° C)
4. Coil fan (40 ° C – 50 ° C)
5. Radiator (65 ° C – 100 ° C)
6. Radiant panels / sheets (30 ° C – 60 ° C)
7. Domestic hot water (50 ° C – 70 ° C)
8. Air conditioning (120 ° C – 140 ° C)
9. Heat pump (10 ° C – 60 ° C)
10. Cereal forage (50 ° C – 120 ° C)
11. Stable and breeding ground (30 ° C – 55 ° C)
12. Greenhouses (30 ° C – 75 ° C)
13. Vegetable drying (110 ° C – 140 ° C)
14. Food processing (40 ° C – 80 ° C)
15. Floor heating and fish farming (20 ° C – 40 ° C)
16. Copper processing (40 ° C – 50 ° C)
17. Heap leaching (obtaining gold) (80 ° C – 120 ° C)
18. Sludge digestion (60 ° C – 80 ° C)
19. Curing of concrete blocks (70 ° C – 80 ° C)
20. Oil recovery (70 ° C – 90 ° C)
21. Fabric drying (85 ° C – 95 ° C)
22. Wool wash (45 ° C – 75 ° C)
23. Chemical extraction (75 ° C – 95 ° C)
24. Tappenes (40 ° C – 80 ° C)
25. Pulp and paper mill (80 ° C – 100 ° C)
26. Binary cycle power plants (80 ° C – 160 ° C)
27. Conventional power plants (150 ° C – 350 ° C)