GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy is the natural heat of the Earth.

Heat flows outward from Earth's interior. The crust insulates us from Earth's interior heat. The mantle is semi-molten, the outer core is liquid and the inner core is solid.

The deeper you go, the hotter it gets (in Celsius and kilometers).

DEFINITIONS There are two types of energy that can be obtained from the earth: Geothermal Energy - Geothermal energy uses steam or hot water in the earth's crust to power turbines or to heat buildings or water. Earth Energy - Earth energy uses temperatures found in the earth or below water to cool or heat air and water for buildings.

Use of Geothermal in North America 2,800 megawatts of electricity supplying 4 million people in western U.S. and Hawaii 500 thermal megawatts of direct use (district heating) 400,000 heat pumps in the U.S. and 30,000 in Canada supplying 1,700 thermal megawatts of heating and cooling

Geothermal heat pumps can be used almost everywhere in the world, without a geothermal reservoir. The insulating properties of the earth, just below our feet, can keep us warm or cool.

Different styles of pipes are installed beside a building. A liquid is piped through the pipes to pick up the heat FROM the ground or (in the summer) to bring heat from the building TO the ground

In a poll, over 95% of people who had installed a geothermal heat pump said they would recommend it and would do it again.

Geothermal Energy Advantages  Use 25%-60% less energy than conventional heating and cooling  Improve humidity control  Can be retrofitted  Long lasting, quiet and easily accessible  Less expensive to operate and maintain  Investment return of 3-10 years

Geothermal Energy Disadvantages  High initial cost  Horizontal ground loop systems which are the least expensive require a hectare or so  Recommend you use a qualified installer (not a do-it- yourself project especially if you want a financial grant!)

Geothermal Installation

Successful Geothermal Applications

A virtual view of the borehole thermal energy storage system at UOIT, showing the grid of boreholes and the building that will be around them including the new OPG Engineering Building and Automotive Centre of Excellence Successful Geothermal Applications

SUMMARY Earth energy can provide heating in winter, cooling in summer, and year-round hot water for home use. On average, an earth energy system can save two-thirds of the cost to heat and cool with electricity. In commercial or industrial buildings, earth energy systems reduce the need for mechanical space. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than two-thirds compared to similar systems that use carbon-based fuel.