As we look to alternative energy sources for our power hungry world, geothermal energy is getting attention. Here is a fast summary of geothermal energy.
Top level view of Geothermal Energy
There are numerous different sorts of energy available to power our world. For a long while people have employed the power of burning ordinary fuels,eg coal (also used to provide steam power) to create energy. Recently, there's been a shift to using replaceable resources to form the energy we need. These resources include hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind power, biomass energy and geothermal energy. While many people know about the 1st four of these resources, geothermal energy is less well known.
The word geothermal comes from two Greek words, "geo" and "therme". These words mean "earth" and "heat", which pretty much describes what geothermal energy is. Geothermal energy is energy that comes from the heat of the Earth, deep underground. The Earth's core, where chemical reactions create massive amounts of heat, is 4,000 miles below the Earth's surface. In this core, temperatures can reach up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and this extraordinary heat may be used to produce energy.
While these are the fundamentals of geothermal energy, there are many other parts in the act to make this sort of energy serviceable. We cannot tap directly into the Earth's core to receive this heat, for many reasons. So as an alternative folks must create systems that harness the remaining heat that is in the magma (molten rock) under the Earth's crust. This heat can be used by utilizing the water reservoirs that are in the magma? These water stores can reach up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. Think about Old Dependable in Yellowstone.
A well can be drilled down into the superheated water contained within the Earth's magma - the geothermal reservoir. Once these geothermal reservoirs are tapped into, the heated water and steam can rise to the surface, and be used to power geothermal power generating plants as well as in smaller scale projects for private household use. When utilized in geothermal power plants, the steam from the heated underground water is often used to power turbines, which then generate energy which can sometimes be harnessed as electricity.
By utilizing the Earth's own heat and water, energy can be made that can be used on a small or sizeable scale. This replaceable resource (you can not use the Earth's heat) is also cleaner and more safe in comparison to many other sorts of energy, making it a great type of ecologically sound power source.
Stephen Spreadbury is a professional photographer who's always on the lookout for a better product or idea for a better earth.
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