Geothermal Energy

Image from WikipediaWhat is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal power is a renewable source of heat energy from the earth that does not rely on fossil fuels to create electricity. Geothermal Energy uses earths superheated fluids created by Molten rock called Magma that heats reservoirs of water just above the earths core layer. This heated water creates a pressurized force that when tapped into shoots toward the surface of the earth.

Tapping into Geothermal Energy

Below the earths surface these reservoirs of superheated water are tapped into by wells that are drilled out 5,000 to 10,000 feet below. These wells are called production wells that bring the superheated fluids to the surface to produce power for residential and commercial businesses.

Creation and Distibution

Geothermal Energy power plants create electricity by crystallizer-reactor clarifier technology. This technology takes the superheated fluids from the wells and turns it into steam by separating solids from it. First the steam passes through a separator to reduce the pressure that causes the fluid to vaporize and flash into high pressure steam that goes through 3 process to create low pressure, standard pressure and high pressured steam. The steam is then transfered via pipes to drive turbines, that transform geothermal energy into mechanical energy by spinning the blades of a turbine on a shaft that connects to an electrical generator in which an electrical charge is created. This electrical charge is transfered to a step-up transformer that increases the voltage before it goes through the power lines to homes and businesses.

Impressions of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy is a sustainable resource by the means that it can be replaced by water as long as it is not depleted by withdrawing it faster then it replenishes naturally. Geothermal resources of energy that is not used by power plants is put back into the reservoirs by passing through condensers that turn steam back into fluids that is then transfered to injection wells helping to replenish the reservoir that in returns heats the water and makes it able to be used again making it a renewable resource of energy. With very little if any of environmental pollution that is produced by geothermal energy means a reduction of green house emitting gasses. Renewable energy I believe is one of the best types of energy for us for its economic value and is environmentally friendly. It virtually costs nothing to produce and does not deplete our natural resources thus providing us with our energy needs and a safe clean place to live for years to come.