Factsheet about Enhanced Geothermal Systems for the Geothermal Technologies Program at the U.S. Department of Energy. I created the original document (the text of this version has since been updated.)
Submarine geothermics. hydrothermal vents and electricity generationjjsoto00
This document discusses generating electricity from submarine hydrothermal vents. Researchers from UNAM designed prototypes to install small power plants on hydrothermal vents using binary cycle technology. They estimated that 1% of known vent sites could generate around 130,000 MW of electricity without harming ecosystems. This is comparable to electricity from other geothermal sources. Specific vent sites studied in Mexico include areas in the Gulf of California with temperatures over 360°C and shallow vents along the Pacific coast. One vent could potentially generate up to 20 MW without affecting the environment.
This document discusses enhancing the design of a double basin solar still to optimize its performance. The researchers fabricated a double basin still where the lower basin receives direct sunlight through glass covers on its sides. They integrated external energy sources like reflectors, a flat plate collector, and a mini solar pond with the still. Testing found the distillate output increased from 4333 mL/day for a basic double basin still to 5650 mL/day with reflectors and 6249 mL/day with reflectors, a flat plate collector and mini solar pond. The modifications improved the performance of the lower and upper basins, with the lower basin's relative contribution increasing from 29.75% to 40.6%.
Geothermal energy provides a renewable source of energy that can meet human needs for millions of years. Yemen has good potential for geothermal reservoirs in areas like Sana'a, Shabwah, and Damar. Developing geothermal power plants could increase Yemen's energy self-sufficiency and satisfy its energy needs in a renewable way. Geothermal energy comes from heat in the Earth's crust generated from radioactive decay and volcanic activity. It can be used to generate electricity by pumping fluid into the Earth to power turbines, or directly for heating via underground pipes. Many countries already utilize geothermal energy successfully.
Geothermal energy piles use closed loop heat exchangers embedded in reinforced concrete piles to extract heat from below ground for building heating and cooling needs. While case studies have examined heating and cooling performance, little work has been done to understand the thermo-mechanical effects on pile structural performance from thermal cycles. This project uses analytical tools to create a 3D model of an energy pile system and conduct a finite element analysis to better understand performance under real conditions.
Is change always good? Eight of the ten warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. Extreme weather conditions have become more common with climate change. Today, buildings in the USA consume approximately 65% of the nation’s electricity and account for 40% of the total energy use. Accelerated burning of fossil fuels to quench the ever growing thirst of the global energy demands is having an unprecedented impact on the environment while contributing to higher energy costs and reduced reserves. However, many opportunities exist to minimize the footprint left behind from the construction, renovation and operation of buildings. This presentation explores the evidence in support of climate change, the contributions of the US Green Building Council to help solve this problem and why this information should be important to you. Your journey along the pathway of sustainability should continue from here…now! The earth’s children are depending on you!
This document summarizes research on improving the efficiency of salt gradient solar ponds. It describes experiments conducted on a prototype pond with a corrugated bottom to increase surface area and heat transfer. The document finds that a corrugated bottom can increase temperature efficiency up to 22% compared to a conventional flat bottom. Additional factors analyzed include heat extraction rate, heat capacity rate, and pond depth. The results show efficiency increases with higher heat extraction rates and decreases with greater heat capacity rates. Overall, the research suggests that a corrugated pond bottom and optimizing operating parameters can significantly improve solar pond performance.
1) The document discusses enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which artificially create underground reservoirs in hot rock with low permeability by hydraulically fracturing the rock and circulating water to extract geothermal energy.
2) Developing an EGS plant involves finding a suitable hot rock site, drilling injection and production wells to create a fracture network between the wells, and operating the reservoir by circulating water to generate electricity via a turbine.
3) EGS could potentially provide a significant amount of the world's energy needs from the abundant heat in the Earth's crust, though developing the technology poses technical challenges compared to conventional geothermal.
Design of Solar Pond calculation and technique in AfricaIOSR Journals
Abstract: Extracting energy from the sun has revolutionized the global energy industry. Different literatures
have been reviewed to give an appropriate theory and mathematical model for the design of solar pond in
Africa.The location chosen is Cairo,Egypt due to high annual solar radiation,feasible land, and fresh water
conditions and cost effective. Energy balance equations have been computed from different case studies to show
the factors affecting the efficiency of the solar pond such as effect of density, temperature, solar radiation,
insulation thickness and depth of different layers .Optimum conditions for the design of a solar pond have been
determined such as the thickness of the upper layer should not be more than 0.3m whereas the optimum
thickness of gradient zone should be1-1.5m and the storage zone should be 1-4m.The main constraints in the
design of a solar pond are different heat losses.But however, different techniques have been discussed for
reducing the heat losses such as black painted concrete slab and concrete walls for minimizing the bottom
losses and using a polystyrene top cover for reducing evaporation losses during night, winters and autumn. This
technique can be very useful for the people of Africa specially dwelling in rural areas.
Keywords: Design, Solar Pond,RenewableEnergy
Submarine geothermics. hydrothermal vents and electricity generationjjsoto00
This document discusses generating electricity from submarine hydrothermal vents. Researchers from UNAM designed prototypes to install small power plants on hydrothermal vents using binary cycle technology. They estimated that 1% of known vent sites could generate around 130,000 MW of electricity without harming ecosystems. This is comparable to electricity from other geothermal sources. Specific vent sites studied in Mexico include areas in the Gulf of California with temperatures over 360°C and shallow vents along the Pacific coast. One vent could potentially generate up to 20 MW without affecting the environment.
This document discusses enhancing the design of a double basin solar still to optimize its performance. The researchers fabricated a double basin still where the lower basin receives direct sunlight through glass covers on its sides. They integrated external energy sources like reflectors, a flat plate collector, and a mini solar pond with the still. Testing found the distillate output increased from 4333 mL/day for a basic double basin still to 5650 mL/day with reflectors and 6249 mL/day with reflectors, a flat plate collector and mini solar pond. The modifications improved the performance of the lower and upper basins, with the lower basin's relative contribution increasing from 29.75% to 40.6%.
Geothermal energy provides a renewable source of energy that can meet human needs for millions of years. Yemen has good potential for geothermal reservoirs in areas like Sana'a, Shabwah, and Damar. Developing geothermal power plants could increase Yemen's energy self-sufficiency and satisfy its energy needs in a renewable way. Geothermal energy comes from heat in the Earth's crust generated from radioactive decay and volcanic activity. It can be used to generate electricity by pumping fluid into the Earth to power turbines, or directly for heating via underground pipes. Many countries already utilize geothermal energy successfully.
Geothermal energy piles use closed loop heat exchangers embedded in reinforced concrete piles to extract heat from below ground for building heating and cooling needs. While case studies have examined heating and cooling performance, little work has been done to understand the thermo-mechanical effects on pile structural performance from thermal cycles. This project uses analytical tools to create a 3D model of an energy pile system and conduct a finite element analysis to better understand performance under real conditions.
Is change always good? Eight of the ten warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. Extreme weather conditions have become more common with climate change. Today, buildings in the USA consume approximately 65% of the nation’s electricity and account for 40% of the total energy use. Accelerated burning of fossil fuels to quench the ever growing thirst of the global energy demands is having an unprecedented impact on the environment while contributing to higher energy costs and reduced reserves. However, many opportunities exist to minimize the footprint left behind from the construction, renovation and operation of buildings. This presentation explores the evidence in support of climate change, the contributions of the US Green Building Council to help solve this problem and why this information should be important to you. Your journey along the pathway of sustainability should continue from here…now! The earth’s children are depending on you!
This document summarizes research on improving the efficiency of salt gradient solar ponds. It describes experiments conducted on a prototype pond with a corrugated bottom to increase surface area and heat transfer. The document finds that a corrugated bottom can increase temperature efficiency up to 22% compared to a conventional flat bottom. Additional factors analyzed include heat extraction rate, heat capacity rate, and pond depth. The results show efficiency increases with higher heat extraction rates and decreases with greater heat capacity rates. Overall, the research suggests that a corrugated pond bottom and optimizing operating parameters can significantly improve solar pond performance.
1) The document discusses enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which artificially create underground reservoirs in hot rock with low permeability by hydraulically fracturing the rock and circulating water to extract geothermal energy.
2) Developing an EGS plant involves finding a suitable hot rock site, drilling injection and production wells to create a fracture network between the wells, and operating the reservoir by circulating water to generate electricity via a turbine.
3) EGS could potentially provide a significant amount of the world's energy needs from the abundant heat in the Earth's crust, though developing the technology poses technical challenges compared to conventional geothermal.
Design of Solar Pond calculation and technique in AfricaIOSR Journals
Abstract: Extracting energy from the sun has revolutionized the global energy industry. Different literatures
have been reviewed to give an appropriate theory and mathematical model for the design of solar pond in
Africa.The location chosen is Cairo,Egypt due to high annual solar radiation,feasible land, and fresh water
conditions and cost effective. Energy balance equations have been computed from different case studies to show
the factors affecting the efficiency of the solar pond such as effect of density, temperature, solar radiation,
insulation thickness and depth of different layers .Optimum conditions for the design of a solar pond have been
determined such as the thickness of the upper layer should not be more than 0.3m whereas the optimum
thickness of gradient zone should be1-1.5m and the storage zone should be 1-4m.The main constraints in the
design of a solar pond are different heat losses.But however, different techniques have been discussed for
reducing the heat losses such as black painted concrete slab and concrete walls for minimizing the bottom
losses and using a polystyrene top cover for reducing evaporation losses during night, winters and autumn. This
technique can be very useful for the people of Africa specially dwelling in rural areas.
Keywords: Design, Solar Pond,RenewableEnergy
Adaptations to climate change in the energy sector especially at the renewable energy sector.
Adaptation to climate change in Solar energy
Adaptation to climate change in Wind energy
Adaptation to climate change in Hydro power
Adaptation to climate change in Nuclear energy
Environmental Impact of Geothermal Power Plantijtsrd
"Energy in any form is the main and important factor of any developing nation and Energy is must require for surviving with honor. Geothermal energy is renewable energy source and it is clean and sustainable energy source but the development still required and going. At the time of electricity generation by geothermal power plant can cause many effects like surface disturbance, physical effect and environmental effects like noise pollution, water pollution, air pollution, hazard gasses emission etc. The main motive of this paper is to elaborate many bad impact on the atmosphere of the geothermal power plant and the amount of the different pollutions are discussed here. Manish Navriya | Piyush Agarwal | Jobin Thomas | Devendra Kumar Doda ""Environmental Impact of Geothermal Power Plant"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21663.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/electrical-engineering/21663/environmental-impact-of-geothermal-power-plant/manish-navriya"
This document discusses geothermal energy as a renewable power source. It provides a brief history of geothermal energy usage dating back to ancient times and highlights key developments such as the first geothermal power plant being built in Italy in 1904. The document outlines the general theory behind geothermal power generation where heat from the earth's core is tapped and used to produce steam to drive turbines and generate electricity. It also describes different technology options for geothermal power plants and discusses resource assessment and exploration methods. The document concludes by mentioning some current related research areas and providing references for further information.
The document provides an overview of Green Roof Technology's publication "Green Instance", which highlights living infrastructure projects and technologies.
It begins by introducing the 'Sun-Root' living roof system, a new green roof technology that combines solar photovoltaic panels and modern green roofing. It then discusses Celebrity Cruises' award-winning "Lawn Club" onboard lawns and the David Kemp Hall green roof at Swarthmore College.
The document emphasizes the importance of integrating living systems into built environments in a way that seamlessly combines form and function. It highlights projects that best mimic natural ecosystems while serving their intended purposes efficiently.
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2Stephen Leslie
The document summarizes enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which extract heat from deep within the Earth's crust. EGS is still in research and development with only a few pilot plants operating worldwide. It has potential as a massive source of renewable energy but faces high costs, particularly for drilling. Techniques like using cascading processes, hydroshearing, and carbon dioxide working fluids may help reduce costs. EGS could provide baseload power and leverage existing oil/gas infrastructure. Extracting minerals and producing chemicals in hot water also offer potential benefits. Further research is needed but EGS may be viable in the future with the right developments.
This document provides an overview of geothermal power plants. It discusses two main types: condensing power plants that use reservoirs between 200-320°C, and binary fluid power plants that can use temperatures as low as 120°C. The document also briefly touches on the advantages of integrated use of geothermal resources for electricity and hot water. Additionally, it summarizes a global survey of geothermal power plants by country, conversion system used, and role in electricity generation. Environmental abatement measures and technical challenges are also outlined.
This document discusses renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biofuels can be replenished naturally and do not get affected by human activities. In contrast, non-renewable sources like fossil fuels are present in fixed quantities and will eventually be depleted. The document also provides information about geothermal energy, including how it is generated from heat within the Earth, the technologies used to capture it, its potential benefits in providing clean energy with less environmental impact than fossil fuels, and challenges around its location-dependent nature and smaller power generation compared to other sources.
Dr Brett Paris – The physical and economic impacts of climate variability NEXTDC
The document summarizes a presentation on the physical and economic impacts of climate change. It discusses the context of resurgent skepticism on climate change and recaps the scientific evidence of rising global temperatures supported by multiple independent records. It outlines projections for significant impacts including rising sea levels that threaten coastal areas, more extreme weather events, effects on global food security, and impacts in regions like Africa, Asia and Australia. It notes Australia's high per capita emissions and contribution to rising CO2 levels. It argues for strong mitigation efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy as a responsible approach and avoid severe economic and social consequences of unchecked climate change in the coming decades and centuries.
This document discusses solar ponds, which use salinity gradients to passively collect and store solar energy. There are three main layers in a salinity gradient solar pond: an upper convective zone, a lower convective zone, and a non-convective middle layer that insulates the lower layer. Heat is collected in the lower layer and can be used for applications like heating buildings, generating power, and desalination. Examples of existing solar ponds are given from Texas, Palestine, and India. Advantages include low cost thermal storage and ability to use diffuse radiation, while large land area and cleaning requirements are disadvantages.
Solar ponds are large bodies of saltwater designed to collect and store solar energy. They work by creating layers with increasing salt concentrations from top to bottom, which prevents convection currents from dispersing the heat collected by the lower layer. The lower layer acts as a storage zone, trapping heat from sunlight but preventing it from rising to the surface. Solar ponds have applications for heating buildings, generating power, and industrial processes like desalination. They provide a low-cost way to harness solar energy around the clock using only local materials and sunlight.
Performance of solar water heater in akure, nigeriaAlexander Decker
The document summarizes a study that designed, constructed, and tested a solar water heater in Akure, Nigeria. Key findings include:
- A flat plate collector covered with double glazing and tilted at 20 degrees recorded a maximum hot water temperature of 73°C with ambient temperature of 36°C. Collector efficiency peaked at 92% at 4pm.
- The study established solar water heating is feasible in Southwest Nigeria and most parts of the country due to high solar insolation.
- Collector efficiency increased slightly until 2pm then had a steep increase, peaking at 4pm, showing efficiency dances to the tune of insolation intensity.
This document discusses solar ponds, which are pools of saltwater that collect and store solar thermal energy. Solar ponds work by using layers of saltwater with different densities to prevent convection, trapping heat in the bottom layer. There are two main types - non-convecting ponds, which use salt concentration gradients to stop convection, and convecting ponds, which stop evaporation to trap heat. Applications include heating and cooling buildings, industrial process heat, and desalination. The largest operating solar pond is located in Bhuj, India. While solar ponds provide low-cost thermal energy storage, they also have disadvantages like salt maintenance and low conversion efficiency.
What Can a Mayor Do About Climate Change?Elton Sherwin
What can cities and towns do about climate change? What action can a mayor and city council take? What difference can one town make? This is a presentation I gave to the Menlo Park Rotary about effective local action.
The Earth's core reaches temperatures over 7000°C, providing a source of geothermal energy in areas where heat from the core reaches shallow depths near the surface. Geothermal energy has been used for centuries for heating but more recently can also generate electricity using different plant designs like dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle plants. The first geothermal power plant was built in Italy in 1911. Geothermal energy provides a renewable and low-emission source of electricity without contributing to global warming. While widespread, locations suitable for geothermal plants are limited and resources can become depleted over time.
This document provides an overview of geothermal energy, including its various uses. It discusses how geothermal energy is used to generate electricity in 24 countries, with 5 countries obtaining 15-22% of their electricity from geothermal. It also describes how geothermal energy is used for direct heating applications in 72 countries. The document outlines the different types of geothermal reservoirs and their temperature ranges. It provides details on various direct uses of geothermal energy, including for industrial/commercial applications and geothermal heat pumps. It also discusses the three main types of geothermal power plants for electricity generation.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from within the Earth to generate electricity and provide direct heating. It comes from radioactive decay and residual heat from the Earth's formation. Geothermal power plants tap into underground reservoirs of hot water or steam through wells to power turbines that generate electricity. Direct uses include heating buildings and greenhouses. While the technology has low emissions and land use, high upfront costs, locating suitable sites, and possible induced seismicity pose challenges to wider adoption of geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy comes from the natural heat of the Earth. It can be used directly by sending water into wells to be heated and then extracting the heat for uses like heating homes. There are also different types of geothermal power plants that can generate electricity through various processes involving steam or hot water from underground reservoirs. Geothermal energy has advantages over fossil fuels as it produces less emissions and can operate continuously while being a renewable source. Some countries have begun harnessing geothermal energy significantly for electricity production.
Geothermal power plants use thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth to generate electricity. There are two main types - dry steam plants that use steam directly, and flash steam plants that use steam produced from high-pressure hot water. Geothermal energy has significant cost savings over fossil fuels due to low operating costs and no fuel usage. While beneficial for the environment, geothermal plants are only suitable for regions with sufficient underground heat and may release harmful gases.
This document provides an overview of the geothermal energy industry. It discusses how geothermal energy works by tapping into heat stored in the Earth's crust, and the different types of geothermal power plants including dry steam, flash steam, and binary plants. Key success factors for geothermal energy development include growing energy demand, base load capacity, and government support for renewable energy. The document also reviews current geothermal capacity worldwide and in the US, as well as technology, costs, risks, and outlook for the industry.
Geothermal Energy: Untapped Potential for Sustainable DevelopmentChristo Ananth
This document discusses the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source. It examines the current state of geothermal energy exploitation and the technological, economic, and policy barriers to its widespread adoption. The document concludes that geothermal energy can contribute significantly to sustainable development goals by providing a reliable, low-carbon source of energy and by creating economic opportunities. Case studies highlight how countries like Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines have successfully harnessed their geothermal resources for electricity generation and economic development.
Adaptations to climate change in the energy sector especially at the renewable energy sector.
Adaptation to climate change in Solar energy
Adaptation to climate change in Wind energy
Adaptation to climate change in Hydro power
Adaptation to climate change in Nuclear energy
Environmental Impact of Geothermal Power Plantijtsrd
"Energy in any form is the main and important factor of any developing nation and Energy is must require for surviving with honor. Geothermal energy is renewable energy source and it is clean and sustainable energy source but the development still required and going. At the time of electricity generation by geothermal power plant can cause many effects like surface disturbance, physical effect and environmental effects like noise pollution, water pollution, air pollution, hazard gasses emission etc. The main motive of this paper is to elaborate many bad impact on the atmosphere of the geothermal power plant and the amount of the different pollutions are discussed here. Manish Navriya | Piyush Agarwal | Jobin Thomas | Devendra Kumar Doda ""Environmental Impact of Geothermal Power Plant"" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-3 , April 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd21663.pdf
Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/electrical-engineering/21663/environmental-impact-of-geothermal-power-plant/manish-navriya"
This document discusses geothermal energy as a renewable power source. It provides a brief history of geothermal energy usage dating back to ancient times and highlights key developments such as the first geothermal power plant being built in Italy in 1904. The document outlines the general theory behind geothermal power generation where heat from the earth's core is tapped and used to produce steam to drive turbines and generate electricity. It also describes different technology options for geothermal power plants and discusses resource assessment and exploration methods. The document concludes by mentioning some current related research areas and providing references for further information.
The document provides an overview of Green Roof Technology's publication "Green Instance", which highlights living infrastructure projects and technologies.
It begins by introducing the 'Sun-Root' living roof system, a new green roof technology that combines solar photovoltaic panels and modern green roofing. It then discusses Celebrity Cruises' award-winning "Lawn Club" onboard lawns and the David Kemp Hall green roof at Swarthmore College.
The document emphasizes the importance of integrating living systems into built environments in a way that seamlessly combines form and function. It highlights projects that best mimic natural ecosystems while serving their intended purposes efficiently.
Review paper on Enhanced Geothermal Systems 2Stephen Leslie
The document summarizes enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which extract heat from deep within the Earth's crust. EGS is still in research and development with only a few pilot plants operating worldwide. It has potential as a massive source of renewable energy but faces high costs, particularly for drilling. Techniques like using cascading processes, hydroshearing, and carbon dioxide working fluids may help reduce costs. EGS could provide baseload power and leverage existing oil/gas infrastructure. Extracting minerals and producing chemicals in hot water also offer potential benefits. Further research is needed but EGS may be viable in the future with the right developments.
This document provides an overview of geothermal power plants. It discusses two main types: condensing power plants that use reservoirs between 200-320°C, and binary fluid power plants that can use temperatures as low as 120°C. The document also briefly touches on the advantages of integrated use of geothermal resources for electricity and hot water. Additionally, it summarizes a global survey of geothermal power plants by country, conversion system used, and role in electricity generation. Environmental abatement measures and technical challenges are also outlined.
This document discusses renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biofuels can be replenished naturally and do not get affected by human activities. In contrast, non-renewable sources like fossil fuels are present in fixed quantities and will eventually be depleted. The document also provides information about geothermal energy, including how it is generated from heat within the Earth, the technologies used to capture it, its potential benefits in providing clean energy with less environmental impact than fossil fuels, and challenges around its location-dependent nature and smaller power generation compared to other sources.
Dr Brett Paris – The physical and economic impacts of climate variability NEXTDC
The document summarizes a presentation on the physical and economic impacts of climate change. It discusses the context of resurgent skepticism on climate change and recaps the scientific evidence of rising global temperatures supported by multiple independent records. It outlines projections for significant impacts including rising sea levels that threaten coastal areas, more extreme weather events, effects on global food security, and impacts in regions like Africa, Asia and Australia. It notes Australia's high per capita emissions and contribution to rising CO2 levels. It argues for strong mitigation efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy as a responsible approach and avoid severe economic and social consequences of unchecked climate change in the coming decades and centuries.
This document discusses solar ponds, which use salinity gradients to passively collect and store solar energy. There are three main layers in a salinity gradient solar pond: an upper convective zone, a lower convective zone, and a non-convective middle layer that insulates the lower layer. Heat is collected in the lower layer and can be used for applications like heating buildings, generating power, and desalination. Examples of existing solar ponds are given from Texas, Palestine, and India. Advantages include low cost thermal storage and ability to use diffuse radiation, while large land area and cleaning requirements are disadvantages.
Solar ponds are large bodies of saltwater designed to collect and store solar energy. They work by creating layers with increasing salt concentrations from top to bottom, which prevents convection currents from dispersing the heat collected by the lower layer. The lower layer acts as a storage zone, trapping heat from sunlight but preventing it from rising to the surface. Solar ponds have applications for heating buildings, generating power, and industrial processes like desalination. They provide a low-cost way to harness solar energy around the clock using only local materials and sunlight.
Performance of solar water heater in akure, nigeriaAlexander Decker
The document summarizes a study that designed, constructed, and tested a solar water heater in Akure, Nigeria. Key findings include:
- A flat plate collector covered with double glazing and tilted at 20 degrees recorded a maximum hot water temperature of 73°C with ambient temperature of 36°C. Collector efficiency peaked at 92% at 4pm.
- The study established solar water heating is feasible in Southwest Nigeria and most parts of the country due to high solar insolation.
- Collector efficiency increased slightly until 2pm then had a steep increase, peaking at 4pm, showing efficiency dances to the tune of insolation intensity.
This document discusses solar ponds, which are pools of saltwater that collect and store solar thermal energy. Solar ponds work by using layers of saltwater with different densities to prevent convection, trapping heat in the bottom layer. There are two main types - non-convecting ponds, which use salt concentration gradients to stop convection, and convecting ponds, which stop evaporation to trap heat. Applications include heating and cooling buildings, industrial process heat, and desalination. The largest operating solar pond is located in Bhuj, India. While solar ponds provide low-cost thermal energy storage, they also have disadvantages like salt maintenance and low conversion efficiency.
What Can a Mayor Do About Climate Change?Elton Sherwin
What can cities and towns do about climate change? What action can a mayor and city council take? What difference can one town make? This is a presentation I gave to the Menlo Park Rotary about effective local action.
The Earth's core reaches temperatures over 7000°C, providing a source of geothermal energy in areas where heat from the core reaches shallow depths near the surface. Geothermal energy has been used for centuries for heating but more recently can also generate electricity using different plant designs like dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle plants. The first geothermal power plant was built in Italy in 1911. Geothermal energy provides a renewable and low-emission source of electricity without contributing to global warming. While widespread, locations suitable for geothermal plants are limited and resources can become depleted over time.
This document provides an overview of geothermal energy, including its various uses. It discusses how geothermal energy is used to generate electricity in 24 countries, with 5 countries obtaining 15-22% of their electricity from geothermal. It also describes how geothermal energy is used for direct heating applications in 72 countries. The document outlines the different types of geothermal reservoirs and their temperature ranges. It provides details on various direct uses of geothermal energy, including for industrial/commercial applications and geothermal heat pumps. It also discusses the three main types of geothermal power plants for electricity generation.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from within the Earth to generate electricity and provide direct heating. It comes from radioactive decay and residual heat from the Earth's formation. Geothermal power plants tap into underground reservoirs of hot water or steam through wells to power turbines that generate electricity. Direct uses include heating buildings and greenhouses. While the technology has low emissions and land use, high upfront costs, locating suitable sites, and possible induced seismicity pose challenges to wider adoption of geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy comes from the natural heat of the Earth. It can be used directly by sending water into wells to be heated and then extracting the heat for uses like heating homes. There are also different types of geothermal power plants that can generate electricity through various processes involving steam or hot water from underground reservoirs. Geothermal energy has advantages over fossil fuels as it produces less emissions and can operate continuously while being a renewable source. Some countries have begun harnessing geothermal energy significantly for electricity production.
Geothermal power plants use thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth to generate electricity. There are two main types - dry steam plants that use steam directly, and flash steam plants that use steam produced from high-pressure hot water. Geothermal energy has significant cost savings over fossil fuels due to low operating costs and no fuel usage. While beneficial for the environment, geothermal plants are only suitable for regions with sufficient underground heat and may release harmful gases.
This document provides an overview of the geothermal energy industry. It discusses how geothermal energy works by tapping into heat stored in the Earth's crust, and the different types of geothermal power plants including dry steam, flash steam, and binary plants. Key success factors for geothermal energy development include growing energy demand, base load capacity, and government support for renewable energy. The document also reviews current geothermal capacity worldwide and in the US, as well as technology, costs, risks, and outlook for the industry.
Geothermal Energy: Untapped Potential for Sustainable DevelopmentChristo Ananth
This document discusses the potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source. It examines the current state of geothermal energy exploitation and the technological, economic, and policy barriers to its widespread adoption. The document concludes that geothermal energy can contribute significantly to sustainable development goals by providing a reliable, low-carbon source of energy and by creating economic opportunities. Case studies highlight how countries like Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines have successfully harnessed their geothermal resources for electricity generation and economic development.
Geothermal energy resources in Texas have historically been used for heating and cooling. There are two large geothermal resource areas in Texas, one along the Rio Grande and another from the southern Rio Grande through Central Texas. Current geothermal applications are limited but there is great potential to be tapped. Untapped geothermal resources could potentially support energy development through use of the state's extensive oil and gas infrastructure. Existing oil and gas wells connect to deeper geothermal resources and produced water is very hot, providing an opportunity to generate electricity using binary power systems. The state has increased its renewable energy targets and the Department of Energy is working with state organizations to develop Texas's geothermal energy potential.
This document summarizes geothermal energy resources in Texas. It discusses three main categories of geothermal energy use: geothermal HVAC systems, direct use of geothermal water, and geothermal electricity production. Geothermal HVAC systems can reduce energy usage by 40-70% compared to conventional HVAC. Direct use includes district heating, spas, greenhouses and aquaculture. Texas has potential for geothermal electricity production using temperatures of 165-200°F through binary cycle power plants. Widespread development requires consideration of long-term aquifer sustainability.
Geothermal energy has potential in Egypt according to the document. Low enthalpy resources exist in western oases and around the Gulf of Suez with surface temperatures of 30-45°C. Medium enthalpy resources like Hammam Faraun produce water up to 76°C. High enthalpy resources may exist in rift zones of the Gulf of Suez and Red Sea. Egypt currently uses some hydro, solar and wind power but demand is growing rapidly. Geothermal could help meet this demand.
Geothermal energy is heat generated within the Earth. It is a renewable resource that can be harnessed for human use. Heat from the Earth's core radiates outward, warming rocks, water, and other geological materials. This heat can be captured from sources like geysers, hot springs, and underground reservoirs and used to generate electricity or heat buildings. Geothermal power plants drill deep wells to access steam or hot water that is used to power turbines connected to generators, while geothermal heat pumps transfer heat closer to the Earth's surface using pipes to heat and cool structures. Geothermal energy is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
GEOTHERMAL-ENERGY-Harnessing the heat from the earth.MAESTRELLAMesa2
Geothermal energy is generated from heat within the Earth. It is a renewable resource as heat is continuously produced inside the Earth. In the Philippines, geothermal power plants generate electricity by drilling wells to access steam or hot water underground, using it to spin turbines and generate electricity. The main geothermal power plants are located in Albay, North Cotabato, Laguna, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Sorsogon. Geothermal energy has advantages of being renewable, environmentally friendly with low carbon emissions, and providing a stable base load of energy. However, it is location-specific, expensive to develop new reservoirs, and can potentially cause earthquakes or land subsidence
ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION BY NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY-GEOTHERMALJournal For Research
Geothermal energy has the potential to provide long-term, secure base-load energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. Climate change is not expected to have any major impacts on the effectiveness of geothermal energy utilization, but the widespread deployment of geothermal energy could play a meaningful role in mitigating climate change and accessible geothermal energy from the Earth’s interior supplies heat for direct use and to generate electric energy. The paper deals with the use of geothermal resources for the production of electricity next are technologies of change geothermal energy into electrical energy, future of geothermal energy and advantage and disadvantage of geothermal energy
COPRODUCTION OF GEOTHERMAL POWER FROM OIL AND GAS FIELDS - EXC SummaryYoussef Tlem
This document discusses coproduction of geothermal power from oil and gas fields. It summarizes simulation results comparing water and CO2 injection into homogeneous and heterogeneous reservoir models. For homogeneous models, water injection produced significantly more energy than CO2 injection. Injection rate and initial reservoir temperature most impacted energy production for both fluids. For heterogeneous models, fractures were important for energy extraction and water injection produced more energy than CO2. While water injection into aquifers was economically viable, CO2 injection was not. Further analysis was recommended to better understand fractures' role and potential synergies with CO2 storage.
- Geothermal energy is an underestimated resource that is not geographically limited like hydrothermal sites and is less costly than solar or wind energy.
- The Bureau of Economic Geology previously studied geothermal energy potential in the 1970s-1980s but advances in drilling and heat exchange systems now make deeper resources more economical.
- A 2006 MIT study found the extractable geothermal resource base in the US is over 2,000 times the country's annual primary energy consumption and over half of this energy is in geopressured zones in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Geothermal energy is now cost-competitive with oil and natural gas and offers a renewable alternative with a small footprint and
The document discusses geothermal energy, which is heat from the Earth's core that can be used directly or to generate electricity. Geothermal energy comes from hot underground reservoirs near tectonic plate boundaries. It is explored using surveys and test wells and used directly for heating and indirectly in power plants. Geothermal energy has advantages of being renewable but is limited to specific regions and requires high initial costs. The document outlines exploration methods, power plant types, costs, applications and advantages/disadvantages of geothermal energy.
This document discusses various geophysical methodologies that can be used in geothermal exploration, including thermal gradient surveys, gravity methods, magnetic methods, seismic methods, geophysical well logging, electrical methods, and modeling/inversion techniques. It explains that geothermal systems typically have four main elements - a heat source, reservoir, fluid, and recharge area. Geophysical surveys aim to indirectly obtain physical parameters of geothermal systems from the surface. These parameters include temperature, electrical conductivity, elastic properties, density, and magnetic susceptibility. The document provides details on each methodology and how they can help define characteristics of the geothermal reservoir such as shape, size, depth, existence of geothermal fluids, and zones of high
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from within the Earth. It is a renewable resource as the Earth continuously produces heat through radioactive decay in its core. Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity or heat buildings by extracting hot water or steam from underground. While it is a clean and constant source of energy, tapping geothermal energy deeply underground also carries earthquake risks that require more scientific understanding to mitigate potential hazards from inducing major seismic events.
This document discusses the potential economic and environmental benefits of geothermal energy for the Anchorage area. It provides background on geothermal energy, explaining that it is heat from within the earth that can be used to generate electricity or for direct heating uses. The document outlines the goals of analyzing 10 years of Anchorage's energy data compared to 4 geothermal plants, as well as comparing emissions from geothermal and petroleum plants. It reviews methods of locating geothermal resources and types of geothermal power plants.
This document outlines a talk on geothermal energy in Indonesia and the Western Pacific region. It discusses the scientific and technological challenges of developing geothermal resources, including exploration, development, production, and capacity building. It provides an overview of geothermal systems, Indonesia's geothermal potential, challenges at each stage of development, and the work of Gadjah Mada University to advance geothermal research, education, and international partnerships.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from within the Earth's core through steam or hot water extracted via wells and pipes. It is a renewable and sustainable energy source available in many locations. While geothermal power plants are costly to build and have a risk of failure, they provide clean energy and cost savings over time. A new geothermal plant planned for Bow, NH aims to produce 330 megawatts of energy if construction is successful.
Geothermal energy is heat from within the Earth that can be used as a clean, renewable energy source. Fiji has potential locations for geothermal energy production, such as in Savusavu, where hot springs indicate geothermal resources close to the surface. Geothermal energy can be harvested by drilling wells into underground reservoirs of hot water or steam and piping it directly to power plants to run turbines and generate electricity. Developing geothermal energy could help solve Fiji's energy crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel alternatives.
Organic-Based Sources; Landfill Methane; Biomass energy; Hydropower ; Flowing water (Hydroelectric); Tidal power (waves and tides); Wave; Geothermal Energy (Geothermal power); Hydrogen Energy; Solar energy: (Energy from sunlight Rapid growing) ; Wind Energy
1. GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE
What is an Enhanced
Geothermal System
(EGS)?
A naturally occurring
geothermal system, known
as a hydrothermal system, is
defined by three key elements:
heat, fluid, and permeability at
depth. An Enhanced Geothermal
Photo credit: Calpine Corporation
System (EGS) is a man-made
reservoir, created where there
is hot rock but insufficient or
little natural permeability or fluid
saturation. In an EGS, fluid is
injected into the subsurface under
carefully controlled conditions,
which cause pre-existing fractures The Geysers field in northern California boasts the largest geothermal complex in the world and the
first successful demonstration of EGS technologies in the United States.
to re-open, creating permeability.
EGS Resource Potential
Increased permeability allows
fluid to circulate throughout EGS offers the opportunity to access an enormous, domestic, clean energy
the now-fractured rock and resource. A 2006 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study
to transport heat to the predicted that in the United States alone, 100 GWe of cost-competitive
capacity could be provided by EGS in the next 50 years.1 To take advantage
surface where electricity
of this vast resource, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal
can be generated. While
Technologies Office (GTO) promotes and invests in industry, academia, and
advanced EGS technologies
the national laboratories to develop and demonstrate EGS throughout the
are young and still under United States.
development, EGS has been
successfully realized on a pilot
scale in Europe and now at two Benefits of Enhanced Geothermal Systems
DOE-funded demonstration • EGS has the potential to be an important contributor to the U.S. energy
projects in the United States. portfolio as a source of clean, renewable energy.
• EGS emits little to no greenhouse gases. Most geothermal power plants
use a closed-loop binary cycle power plant and have no greenhouse gas
emissions other than water vapor that may be used for cooling.
Visit the GTO website at
• EGS could facilitate geothermal development outside of traditional
geothermal.energy.gov for hydrothermal areas in the western U.S., thereby extending geothermal
more information on EGS energy production nationwide.
development, or contact • EGS can supply baseload energy with limited to no intermittency,
geothermal@ee.doe.gov. eliminating the need for energy storage technologies.
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 2006. The future of geothermal energy. Cambridge, Massachusetts. Available: http://geothermal.inel.gov/publications/
future_of_geothermal_energy.pdf.
2. Geothermal Technologies Office
EGS Reservoir Creation and Operation
Step 1: Identify/Characterize a Site
• Develop a geologic model of a potential site via surface, geologic,
geophysical, and remote sensing exploration.
• Assess the temperature gradient, permeability, in-situ stress directions
of the resource, rock mechanical properties, and whether fluid is present.
• Determine if the necessary characteristics to create an EGS reservoir
are present.
The Geysers field in northern California contains
Step 2: Create a Reservoir
optimal conditions for validating EGS resources.
• Drill an injection well into hot rock with limited fluid content and/or
permeability.
Induced Seismicity
• Inject water at sufficient pressure (or temperature differential) to create
During EGS reservoir creation and a fracture network.
stimulation, rocks may slip along • Continue operation until there is enough fractured volume to create
pre-existing fractures and produce a reservoir (flow rate, temperature, volume, and sustainability).
microseismic events. Researchers
have found these microseismic events, • Drill a production well into the fracture network, intersecting the created
also known as induced seismicity, flow paths.
to be a very useful diagnostic tool The resulting circulation loop allows water to flow through the enhanced
for accurately pinpointing where reservoir, picking up in situ heat. The hot water is then pumped to the surface
fractures are re-opened or created, through the production well (see diagram below).
and characterizing the extent of a
reservoir. In almost all cases, these Step 3: Operate the Power Plant and Maintain the Reservoir
events occur in deep reservoirs and
• At the surface, the water flashes to steam, or it heats a working fluid
are of such low magnitude that they
that produces vapor.
are not felt at the surface.
• The steam/vapor turns a turbine to create electricity.
Although induced seismicity data allows
• The original geothermal water is recycled into the reservoir through
better subsurface characterization, GTO
the injection well to complete the circulation loop.
also understands public concern. With
this in mind, DOE led an effort to create
a protocol for addressing induced
seismicity (www1.eere.energy.gov/ As the illustration indicates, fluid injection enables hot rock to become a geothermal resource.
geothermal/news_detail.html?news_
Water vapor from
id=18045) associated with geothermal cooling facility
development, which all DOE-funded Electricity Geothermal fluid is recycled
to the reservoir through
EGS projects are required to follow. the injection well to
This work was informed by panels of complete the loop
international experts and culminated
in an International Energy Agency- Power Plant
accepted protocol in 2008. The protocol
was updated in early 2011 to reflect the
latest research and lessons learned
from the geothermal community.
In addition, in June 2012, the National
Academy of Sciences (NAS) issued
Induced Seismicity Protocol in Energy
Technologies. The report found that
geothermal development, in general,
has a low potential for hazard from
induced seismicity. The NAS report
Geothermal fluid Injected geothermal
cited the DOE Induced Seismicity is pumped to the fluid enhances the
Protocol as a best practice model for surface through
production wells
permeability of the rock
other subsurface energy technologies.
Visit geothermal.energy.gov or email geothermal@ee.doe.gov.
DOE/EE-0785 • September 2012
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