Geothermal Energy

1. Geothermal Energy David McArdle

2. 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

3. 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

5. Geothermal Houses • Summer • 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 • 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 summer

7. 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