1. Geothermal Energy
Jesus Soto

2. What is Geothermal Energy?
Heat energy that is generated and stored in the Earth.
Heat originates from…
The original formation of Earth
The radioactive decay of materials
Friction
Pressure

3. Where can we find it? Visible features Volcanoes Hot springs Gysers
Fumaroles
Most active geothermal Resources are found on major plate boundaries
Ring of Fire

4. History Geothermal energy dates back to Paleolithic times.
Ancient people used it
Native Americans
Romans
Chinese
Used it for bathing, cooking and heating
First commercial use was in 1st Century in England
Oldest geothermal heating system is in Chaudes- Aigues, France

5. Today’s Geothermal Energy
Direct use
Energy is used directly for heating and cooling
Indirect use
Geothermal energy used to make electricity

6. Direct use of Geothermal Energy
Requires cooler temperatures (50 F)
Well drilled into geothermal reservoir to provide a stream of hot water
The water is then put through mechanical system pipping, then through a heat exchanger
Heat is directly used for its intended use
Water gets put back into the ground or is disposed of on the surface
$10,000 more expensive to install than traditional heating/cooling systems
$110-$120 cheaper a month

7. Direct use of Geothermal Energy

8. Indirect use of Geothermal Energy
Converts geothermal energy into electricity
Requires higher temperatures that are at least 250 F
There are two types of Indirect Geothermal Energy
Dry steam power plant
Flash Steam power plant
Binary cycle plant

9. Dry Steam Power Plants Oldest type of Geothermal Power Plants
Only use steam to run turbines, that run generators
Operates in California, Italy, and Japan

10. Flash Steam Power Plants
Most common form of geothermal power
Requires reservoirs that contain both hot water & steam
Water is taken up from the ground and as it cools it “Flashes” into vapor
Requires pressure changing system

11. Binary Power Plant Uses two types of fluids
Water and a heat Transfer fluid (ie Isobutane, Isopentane)
Heat transfer fluid has a lower boiling point than the water
able to flash at a lower temperature making steam
The heat transfer fluid makes the turbines spin to generate electricity

12. Why Geothermal? Does little damage to the environment
Release less than 1% to 4% of Carbon dioxide compared to coal plants
Emit only about 3% sulfur compounds compared to coal and oil plants
Small physical foot print
They can be used at an time, day or night, or with no wind, in any region or location
Recycled waste water can be used to make power plants work.
Sometimes there is solid waste that can be removed from underground but this is sold and makes energy even cheaper.

13. References
"Energy 101: Geothermal Energy." YouTube. YouTube, 30 July Web. 07 Mar
"Geothermal Energy." YouTube. YouTube, 14 Oct Web. 07 Mar
"Geothermal Energy." Geothermal Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar