1. Tim Spafford Energy, Environment, and Economy 02/14/2017
Geothermal Energy
Tim Spafford
Energy, Environment, and Economy
02/14/2017

2. Agenda History and Background Use in Electricity Production
Global statistics
Use in Residential Heating and Cooling
Economical Factors
Discussion and Questions

3. What is it?
Heat within earth generated due to radioactive decay and continual heat loss from earth’s formation
This heat is released from the core to earth’s crust, where we can make use of the high- temperature asset
Making use of the large temperature difference between the earth’s core and earth’s surface to heat, cool, and produce electricity

4. History Ancient Romans to heat baths
Western states used hot springs to heat houses and hotels
1904 – First Geothermal power plant built in Italy
1921 – First Geothermal power plant built in United States (California)
1970’s – Government begins to hand out grants to research geothermal energy and build new geothermal plants

5. Commercial Geothermal Energy Production
“High Temperature” geothermal energy
Hydrothermal is the main type in use today for commercial purposes
Uses the hot water within earth’s crust to power a turbine to generate electricity

6. Steam obtained by drilling 7,000 to 10,000 feet in the earth
Dry Steam
Hot Water (Flash)
Binary
Steam obtained by drilling 7,000 to 10,000 feet in the earth
Natural steam is harvested from these depths to power a turbine
Hot water is often highly pressurized in underground reservoir
Hot water is piped to earth’s surface and into separators
Pressure is lowered, and hot water flashes into steam
When water underground is not hot enough to flash into steam
Hot water is piped to earth’s surface
A second liquid is used in a heat exchanger to produce vapor and power turbine

7. Commercial Use: Global

8. Commercial Use: United States
Geysers, CA – 1500 MW capacity, largest in the world

9. Enhanced Geothermal System

10. Downsides of Commercial Geothermal Electricity Generation
Location specific
Large capital costs
Can induce seismic hazards (earthquakes)
Only sustainable if the underground well is maintained properly
Large cost to find practical locations
Lengthy plant production time (4-8 years)

11. Geothermal for Residential Use
Low Temperature Geothermal Energy
Used for heating and cooling
“Ground Source Heat Pumps”
Earth’s surface constant at 50º to 60º F

12. Economics of Ground Source Heat Pumps
Standard house will use ton HVAC system
Cost to install:
Standard HVAC system is $3,000-$4,000 per ton
GSHP system is $5,000- $8,000 per ton
Through Dec , was a federal 30% tax credit on installed systems
30% reduction on cost to install

13. Local Geothermal Companies
Many local HVAC companies offer geothermal systems:
Kool-Temp Heating and Cooling – Albany, NY
Choice Heating and Cooling – Cohoes, NY
Hanson Well Drilling and Pump – Nassau, NY
Aztech Heating and Cooling – Ballston Spa, NY
Abbot Energy – Albany, NY

14. Downsides of Residential Geothermal Systems
Large installation cost
Cause initial disturbance to your land
Can be very difficult to repair if a leak or blockage occurs in the well
Must have adequate land or pond available
Some climates may need additional heating to provide optimal comfort

15. Discussion Question Questions?
So far, means of electricity production by harnessing geothermal energy has not been effective as compared to other sources of renewable energy. Why are government programs still heavily funding these projects?
Questions?
Still many geothermal resources that have been untapped (Many GigaWatts). New technologies are being developed that will allow us to harness more, not as location specific with new technology.

16. References
"Geo Installation." Energy Homes. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb < "Geothermal Energy." Geothermal Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb "Geothermal FAQs." Geothermal FAQs | Department of Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb "Geothermal Maps." NREL: Dynamic Maps, GIS Data, and Analysis Tools - Geothermal Maps. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 18 July Web. 13 Feb "A History of Geothermal Energy in America." A History of Geothermal Energy in America | Department of Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb Martek, Benjamin, and Karl Gawell. "The Economic Costs and Benefits of Geothermal Power." (n.d.): n. pag. Geothermal Energy Association. Web. Matek, Benjamin. "2015 Annual U.S. and Global Geothermal Power Production Report." 2015 Annual U.S. & Global Geothermal Power Production ReportContents (n.d.): n. pag. Geothermal Energy Association, Feb Web. Tierney, June. "Renewables." Vermont Department of Public Service. N.p., Web. 13 Feb <

17. EXTRAS