How does Geothermal Technology Work?
Geothermal technology uses the power of the Earth’s heat located inside the crust to provide energy for a multitude of uses. The level of sophistication in geothermal technology depends on what is being done and how much energy it is done for. Some systems may use very low levels of heat to supplement space heating needs. Others may use very hot sources in order to produce electricity. In the case of space heating for buildings, whether they be commercial buildings or private residences, geothermal technology uses a very simple process of heat transference in order to accomplish its goal. Geothermal loops are installed and a process of heat transference brings the heat to the building. This is usually accomplished by adding water or antifreeze liquids inside the loop. This then brings the heat up to the surface where it is used and returned to the Earth in a continuous process. The limitations of this type of geothermal technology are that, other than just to supplement and help contro
And why aren’t we using more of it? Geothermal technology is somewhat simple, and very innovative. The technology utilizes the heat generated inside the earth to produce energy. There are a few different ways that energy can be produced from the heat below the Earth’s surface: • Conventional Geothermal Energy Production • Geothermal Heat Pumps • Direct Heat From Geothermal Sources Conventional Geothermal Energy Production – There are a few different conventional methods that utilize the Earth’s interior heat to generate energy. All of them use steam to turn a turbine generating energy in the same method as a fossil fuel power plant would. The most common method uses hot geothermal water from within the Earth to superheat another fluid, using the superheated steam to turn a turbine. Another method pumps water into cavities of hot rock deep below the surface, and collects the steam generated to turn a turbine. Natural steam from within the Earth can also be collected to turn turbines. Ge
