Engineering Term of the Month Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is a renewable source of power derived from the Earth ' s internal heat. This heat can be harnessed through wells drilled into geothermal reservoirs. Geothermal energy is used to generate electricity and to provide heating and cooling. Unlike other renewable resources such as solar or wind, geothermal energy is available year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
The United States is the world’ s largest producer of geothermal energy. Most geothermal power plants in the U. S. are located in western states and Hawaii, where geothermal resources lie close to the Earth’ s surface. California generates the most electricity from geothermal energy.
In addition to power plants, geothermal heat pumps are used to heat and cool buildings. These systems transfer heat by circulating water or refrigerant through pipes buried just below the Earth’ s surface, where the temperature remains a steady 50 to 60 ° F. During winter, the system draws warmth from the ground and brings it indoors. In summer, it works in reverse to help cool the building. Its sort of like harnessing the Earth’ s farts.
Photo provided courtesy of GreenFire Energy
References: https:// www. energy. gov / eere / geothermal / geothermal-basics https:// www. eia. gov / kids / energy-sources / geothermal / https:// www. twi-global. com / technical-knowledge / faqs / geothermal-energy # HowDoesGeothermalEnergyWork https:// archive. epa. gov / climatechange / kids / solutions / technologies / geothermal. html