Geothermal Energy Jesus Soto

What is Geothermal Energy? Heat energy that is generated and stored in the Earth. Heat originates from… The original formation of Earth The radioactive decay of materials Friction Pressure

Where can we find it? Visible features Volcanoes Hot springs Gysers Fumaroles Most active geothermal Resources are found on major plate boundaries Ring of Fire

History Geothermal energy dates back to Paleolithic times. Ancient people used it Native Americans Romans Chinese Used it for bathing, cooking and heating First commercial use was in 1st Century in England Oldest geothermal heating system is in Chaudes- Aigues, France

Today’s Geothermal Energy Direct use Energy is used directly for heating and cooling Indirect use Geothermal energy used to make electricity

Direct use of Geothermal Energy Requires cooler temperatures (50 F) Well drilled into geothermal reservoir to provide a stream of hot water The water is then put through mechanical system pipping, then through a heat exchanger Heat is directly used for its intended use Water gets put back into the ground or is disposed of on the surface $10,000 more expensive to install than traditional heating/cooling systems $110-$120 cheaper a month

Direct use of Geothermal Energy

Indirect use of Geothermal Energy Converts geothermal energy into electricity Requires higher temperatures that are at least 250 F There are two types of Indirect Geothermal Energy Dry steam power plant Flash Steam power plant Binary cycle plant

Dry Steam Power Plants Oldest type of Geothermal Power Plants Only use steam to run turbines, that run generators Operates in California, Italy, and Japan

Flash Steam Power Plants Most common form of geothermal power Requires reservoirs that contain both hot water & steam Water is taken up from the ground and as it cools it “Flashes” into vapor Requires pressure changing system

Binary Power Plant Uses two types of fluids Water and a heat Transfer fluid (ie Isobutane, Isopentane) Heat transfer fluid has a lower boiling point than the water able to flash at a lower temperature making steam The heat transfer fluid makes the turbines spin to generate electricity

Why Geothermal? Does little damage to the environment Release less than 1% to 4% of Carbon dioxide compared to coal plants Emit only about 3% sulfur compounds compared to coal and oil plants Small physical foot print They can be used at an time, day or night, or with no wind, in any region or location Recycled waste water can be used to make power plants work. Sometimes there is solid waste that can be removed from underground but this is sold and makes energy even cheaper.

References "Energy 101: Geothermal Energy." YouTube. YouTube, 30 July 2014. Web. 07 Mar. 2016. "Geothermal Energy." YouTube. YouTube, 14 Oct. 2009. Web. 07 Mar. 2016. "Geothermal Energy." Geothermal Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.