...Geothermal Energy EM 530 – Energy, Economics & the Environment Josh Marder – Nicole Glick – Ali Yasir – Giovanni Rumbolo 4/20/2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Problem Statement: Introduction: Page 2 Page 2 Past and Present Uses: Page 3 Energy: Economics: Environment: Risk Analysis: Recommendations: Page 7 Page 19 Page 28 Page 32 Page 34 1 PROBLEM STATEMENT There is a looming energy crisis in the United States, as the country is currently relying on a finite supply of fossil fuels. This energy crisis, along with economic growth and environmental stability must be sustained by developing alternative, renewable energy sources. Population is expanding at a geometric rate and each doubling will increase energy demand that will far exceed supply. China and India have recently developed into industrialized nations and several more will follow. Many leading scientists describe the “tipping point” for carbon dioxide emissions as having already passed, meaning it could be too late for renewable energy options to have an impact (McKibben, 2008). However, until the full impact is determined, scientists worldwide should be developing energy alternatives, in order to help stabilize the environment, secure national policy interests and boost to the economy. Geothermal energy represents a sizeable, renewable power source and is one of several alternative energy options that should be utilized. In order for this technology to be able to move forward with any success, it must achieve the...
Words: 10392 - Pages: 42
...The Home is heated by geothermal energy. To access this constant heat source they Drilled down 250 ft and inserted a vertical pipe. Fluid is pumped down, heated by the earth internal temperature and pumped back up. Heating the home thru radiant tubes in the floors. Wiki Closed loop geothermal heat pumps circulate a carrier fluid (usually a water/antifreeze mix) through pipes buried in the ground. As the fluid circulates underground it absorbs heat from the ground and, on its return, the now warmer fluid passes through the heat pump which uses electricity to extract the heat from the fluid. The re-chilled fluid is sent back into the ground thus continuing the cycle. The heat extracted and that generated by the heat pump appliance as a byproduct is used to heat the house. The addition of the ground heating loop in the energy equation means that more heat is generated than if electricity alone had been used directly for heating. Switching the direction of heat flow, the same system can be used to circulate the cooled water through the house for cooling in the summer months. The heat is exhausted to the relatively cooler ground (or groundwater) rather than delivering it to the hot outside air as an air conditioner does. As a result, the heat is pumped across a larger temperature difference and this leads to higher efficiency and lower energy use.[9] This technology makes geothermal heating economically viable in any geographical location. In 2004, an estimated million ground...
Words: 609 - Pages: 3
...GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Geothermal energy is one of the oldest sources of energy. It is simply using and reusing (reusable energy) heat from the inside of the earth. Most of the geothermal energy comes from magma, molten or partially molten rock. Which is why most geothermal resources come from regions where there are active volcanoes. Hot springs, geysers, pools of boiling mud, and fumaroles are the most easily exploited sources. The ancient Romans used hot springs to heat baths and homes, and similar uses are still found in Iceland, Turkey, and Japan. The true source of geothermal energy is believed to come from radioactive decay occurring deep within the earth. Electricity is one of the biggest outputs of geothermal energy. It was first recorded to produce electricity in 1904 in Italy. There are now geothermal power plants in operation in New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, the US and elsewhere. For the generation of electricity, hot water, at temperatures ranging from about 700 degrees F, is brought from the underground reservoir to the surface through production wells, and is flashed to steam in special vessels by release of pressure. The steam is separated from the liquid and fed to a turbine engine, which turns a generator. In turn, the generator produces electricity. Spent geothermal fluid is injected back into peripheral parts of the reservoir to help maintain reservoir pressure. If the reservoir is to be used for direct-heat application, the geothermal water is usually...
Words: 714 - Pages: 3
...Geothermal Energy is the use of the energy in the earth, the natural heat the earth produces. There are several ways to harness this power, and frequently these sources are totally renewable and re-usable. These natural alternatives have been preferred by many over using the fossil fuels so prevalent in society at this time, in that they can be used without the environmental arguments presently going on about fossil fuels. Geothermal energy was first discovered in the seventh century, when mines dug were found to be actually hotter than the surface. This was assumed to be resulting from a heat source located inside the earth, termed Geothermal Energy. Both Romans and Chinese used geothermal springs to heat buildings and gather warm water. The Maoris in New Zealand used geysers to cook their food. Currently, it is also in use in Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, and California as a commonly seen source of energy. All these locations use the energy to heat homes, power electricity, and other such uses. Geothermal is gathered from three sources – Dry Steam Fields, Wet Steam Fields, and Hot Water Fields. Dry Steam, the easiest one to harvest, is also the one seen very rarely. The conditions of having large amounts of steam underground ready to come up and power turbines are not seen often. A few, however, do exist, and for example, one in Larderello, Italy, has been producing electricity for over a hundred years. Wet Steam Fields are more common, but also not...
Words: 850 - Pages: 4
...Geothermal energy which is heat energy can be found in almost everywhere on Earth. It is a renewable energy derived from heat deep in the Earth’s crust. The word “geothermal” comes from Greek words meaning “Earth” (geo) and heat (thermal), it means using the nature heat produced inside the Earth. (Davor Habjanec,2008)The use of geothermal energy occurred more than 10,000 years ago with the settlement of Paleo-Indians in hot springs. The technology of geothermal energy improved each year. In 1904, the first geothermal power plant was built in Larderello, Italy. Although geothermal energy's installation is expensive, it is an efficient and reliable energy resource which does not cause significant pollution, it is renewable, and we can predict the output power with remarkable accuracy. Commercial geothermal power projects which is the geothermal power plant, are expensive. The exploration and drilling of new reservoirs come with a steep price tag. Total costs usually end...
Words: 1014 - Pages: 5
... A Geothermal power plant uses its geothermal activities to generate power. And this type of natural energy production is extremely environmentally friendly and used in many geothermal spots. And to harness this geothermal energy, a deep hole are being drilled into the earth (much like when drilling for oil) until a significant hot spot is found. And this geothermal power is one of the most renewable energy sources that exist on our planet today. It is also defined as a renewable energy that taps into the heat emanating from earth’s core. And it can be used for many energy uses. Here in the province of Antique on evidence that there is a possible spots for geothermal energy source is located in Brgy. Nato, Anini-y, Antique where hot springs exists. And for this, the assessment of geothermal energy is the first best step (basis for geothermal power plant). Geothermal energy here in Antique is not the concern of the government even though there is evidence and possibility that geothermal energy source here exists. This process required full attention from the government. This energy will be the solution for the major problems in which the province experiencing today. That is why Antique is extremely dependent in power supplies to others in such a way that this power supply can sustain the demand for industrial productions as a whole. Objectives of the study The general objectives of the study enumerates the following * To determine if the geothermal energy...
Words: 395 - Pages: 2
...Nuclear Energy is made from the nucleus from the particles whom make up matter. Canada mainly uses nuclear power plants to keep up with 52% of Ontario electrical energy supply. This happens when the nucleus from the power plants make uranium to supply power around Canada. They take the uranium and apply it so it would change to Thermal Energy. Nuclear energy comes in many shapes and forms. One of the main nuclear energy would be called uranium and plutonium. These energies makes it a nuclear power plant a source of energy since they use these two. Uranium nuclear energy is a silver element in the actinide series. Plutonium energy is a chemical element as known as Pu. Nuclear energy is made with two fundamentals resources, fission and fusion. Fission is when the fission kinetic energy separates the uranium and plutonium into smaller...
Words: 2113 - Pages: 9
...Geothermal Energy a Better Alternative than Coal Power For many years, people have been developing technologies that can improve the quality of life; help save human labor, provide entertainment and make life more comfortable. This technology has led us to depend on different energy-consuming machines like computers, electric motors, televisions, cars, motorcycles etc. because this technology needs energy to function, energy supply is very essential to sustain for the energy-consuming machines that people use. There are renewable and non-renewable sources of energy that are available in the world. Some are fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gases. Geothermal energy and hydrothermal power are also available. In the Philippines, coal power is the most common source of energy. However, this source of power brings about pollution that can cause harm to the environment. With these observations, some sectors and environmental groups propose an alternative source of power which is geothermal energy. This paper aims to compare geothermal energy and coal power in terms of social implications, environmental impacts and feasibility. Furthermore, this paper aims to know geothermal energy and coal power as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Most energy consumers are not aware of a good energy source as long as it can sustain the technology that they use. This study aims to inform the power consumers on which is a better power source. This will also help them understand...
Words: 1885 - Pages: 8
...Report Five Research Report The upper management at Eyre Enterprises is considering incorporating new ideas in technology As an Eyre Enterprises engineer or scientist, you have been asked to write a research report so they will have the information to make these decisions. Choose your topic from one of the technical fields listed below. You may also want to define ; this will help you narrow the scope of your topic. Artificial intelligence Fiber optics Forestry management Geothermal energy Human-powered vehicles Lignite-coal mining Organic farming Satellite surveying Solar power Wind power Aquaponics For this report, not all sources will come from books, magazines or websites; some may actually come from personal or telephone interviews, emails, information from experts in the field, or other reliable/credible sources. One of the major tasks for this assignment will be finding out where to seek out the information needed to build a persuasive report. You may want to begin by exploring Requirements: Before you begin Report 5, you must send an email to your instructor explaining the specific and narrowed topic you have chosen (EX: organic farming in an urban environment). o You r topic must be app roved before you begin w riting. o Your email must be of professional quality. If you are asked to revise your email, you may lose points on the assignment. N O T E : The email must be sent by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 th or the report grade will be reduced by ten (10)...
Words: 676 - Pages: 3
...Geothermal energy is created through power plants similar to the ones that burn coal. However, the heat that turns the water into steam to spin the turbines is derived from the magma in the earth’s mantle, and indirectly from the earth’s core. This is a pretty much renewable, emission free source of energy. The more common way of harnessing the heat from the earth’s mantle is with Flash steam power plants. This is when plants drill down to natural reservoirs, pump cool water down, and pump the hot water up. The water that’s pumped up is way hotter than the boiling point of water (212°F). With Flash steam power plants, the water needs to be between 350° and 700°. When this water is given room to expand, it turns immediately into steam and spins a turbine. Another type of power plant is the Dry steam. This power plant just pumps water down and, and steam up. This is the oldest and simplest design. Water for this design must be above 300°. The last and latest design is the binary power plant. This can take water that is as low as 135°. When the water is pumped up, it goes through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat from the water to another substance with a lower boiling point, like butane. The second substance is then used to spin the turbine. Some of the pros to geothermal energy is that it is pretty much completely reliable, completely renewable, is a steady source of energy, and doesn’t release a much smaller amount of harmful emissions than burning fossil fuels (only...
Words: 648 - Pages: 3
...CHAPTER 2 Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy derived from heat deep in earth’s crust. This heat is brought to the near surface by thermal conduction by intrusion into the earth’s crust of molten magma originating from great depth. As groundwater is heated, geothermal energy is produced in the form of hot water and steam. The heated groundwater can be used for direct heating of homes and greenhouses, for vegetable drying, and for a number of other uses. These are known as direct uses of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is also used for electricity production. Geothermal power generation is used today throughout the world where good geothermal resources exist, including many locations in the western United States. The REPP geothermal issue brief on this page provides a general background on the fundamentals of geothermal power including discussions of the technical, economic, and policy dimensions of geothermal power worldwide. Economic data and current U.S. geothermal policy help illustrate the concepts of the issue brief. Extensive references to reports and internet links to be the latest developments in geothermal power’s role in clean energy generation are included. “Ecologists also agree that geothermal energy could be used at little or no cost to the environment. Unlike fossil or expensive fissionable fuels, it does not pollute the atmosphere with combustion products or radiation” explained Escobar in ‘Geothermal Energy supply to sustain...
Words: 842 - Pages: 4
...in partial fulfillment of the mentioned course. | Introduction Kenya’s energy sector faces daunting challenges, characterized by high cost and insufficient supply. Nearly 80% of Kenyans are living without access to basic Energy services; a top priority for the government is to improve access to adequate and affordable energy supply. The existing energy supply is heavily dependent upon hydroelectric power thus due to the rapid growth in demand for energy means that Kenya must find new ways to provide crucial energy services to its people. The available options include Renewable energy resources like geothermal. Kenya has nearly 7,000 MW geothermal potential, yet it remains largely undeveloped due to economic and financial limitations, insufficient technical and human capacity, and various social constraints. However the government has now turned around and is aiming at producing about 16000MW of power by 2030. The country currently produces about 1500 MWs primarily from hydro stations (57%-hydro power, about 32%-thermal and the rest comprises geothermal and emergency thermal power). To bridge this huge deficit in the short time, courses as EMM 516 were developed to provide man-power needed to sustain the projected growth. First we visited the Kiambere power station the Tana station and Kangaita tea factory for a boiler’s experience. We later visited the Embakasi gas turbine then to Olkaria II geothermal power generation plant. In this report I will basically describe the outlay...
Words: 5403 - Pages: 22
...Case-In-Point Analysis Geoff Manbeck University of phoenix Environmental Issues and Ethics SCI-362 Brian Hoeft December 31, 2012 Case-In-Point Analysis The Salton Sea, once known as the accidental sea, became a popular tourist attraction which people would travel to for vacations (Ransriggs, 2011). People bought homes, built schools, restaurants, and yacht clubs; it was considered to be a miracle in the desert. Over the years the water at the Salton Sea became saltier than the ocean. Botulism poisoning killed millions of fish, and the heat, which reach the temperature of 120 degrees, made the air unbearable to breathe. A consequence was the sea began to flood (Ransriggs, 2011). The water at the Salton Sea was fed only by agricultural run-off, which increased the salt levels of the Salton Sea to levels that the fish could not survive. The death of 200 million fish had a large effect on the rest of the ecosystem, causing the death of the bird populations who rely on fish for food, increasing severe decaying of the dead fish, and creating a increased number of flies and other pathogens in their rotting carcasses (Ransriggs, 2011). The loss and harm to the populations of wild species at the Salton Sea is critical importance of migrating birds. The sea supports over 90% of the North American population species such as eared grebes, 30,000 American white pelicans, 2,000 brown pelicans, 25,000 snow and Ross’ geese, and 120,000 shore birds, which consist of 44 species (Ransriggs...
Words: 1229 - Pages: 5
...government, Storengy was asked by the BEE to study the basement part of a geothermal power plant construction project. The island of Dominica (73 000 people) is a republic within the Commonwealth, independent since 1978. Its capital Roseau is counting approximately 24 000 people. It is located exactly halfway between the islands Guadeloupe 41 km north and Martinique 40 km south. It relates to evaluate the potential of Wotten Waven geothermal field (initially presented with a capacity of 120 MWe in 2012 before the three exploration wells and 90 MWe in 2013) and estimate if it can provide enough energy for electricity production not only for home market but also for export to Guadeloupe and / or Martinique.This geothermal field is located in the southern part of the Dominica island approximately at ten kilometers east of Roseau, in an area known for its geothermal surface manifestations including mineralized hot springs, fumaroles, sulfur deposits and phreatic explosion craters (whose "Boiling Lake", one of the largest known in the world). The main conclusions of the analysis and integration of data provided in data room, but also from additional bibliographic research carried out in support, are the following: Geological context and conceptual model of the geothermal system Three exploration wells (WW-01 to 03) were drilled in 2012 at depths of 1200 to 1600 m. They helped prove the existence of a deep geothermal reservoir and provide important information on its thickness, its temperature...
Words: 1483 - Pages: 6
...Joseph N. Frederick III PSC 1121C Spring 2011 Geophysics Geophysics can be broken down into several groups that deal with physical science and the earth. It is a field and profession that combines geology, mathematics, and physics all in an effort for people across the world to understand the ways of the world and exactly what it takes for certain seemingly unnatural events to happen. Geophysics covers a range of ideas from gravity, heat flow, seismic waves that cause vibrations through the Earth’s layers, radioactivity both geothermal and geochronological, electricity, electromagnetic waves and magnetism, fluid dynamics, and even condensed matter physics. So as we see, geophysics is indeed a very broad subject, yet when looked at under specific lights, we see that geophysics is no more than a name, a container, for all matters Earthly related. Most of these topics will most definitely be covered in this essay and if not talked about in depth, definitely mentioned seeing as how all of these ideas are valuable to everyone worldwide in getting to know and understand the way our home planet works in relation to ourselves and the space we occupy in the universe. (Beroza, Nelson, and Ilich, "The Department of Geophysics"). History The first traces of anything geophysically related first appear in regions inside of China during the Qin dynasty somewhere between two hundred twenty-one and two hundred six B.C. when Chinese fortunetellers used lodestones to create their fortune...
Words: 3126 - Pages: 13
