Geothermal Energy Heating

Understanding Geothermal Energy Systems

Geothermal energy systems play an important role in the generation of electricity from the earth’s heat. The type of systems used depends on the size of the area where plants are built. The needs of clients also impact the type and size of geothermal energy systems used.

Geothermal energy systems have become the focus of discussion in recent years. This is driven by the need to find viable sources of renewable energy. Most individuals are more familiar with wind and solar energy than they are with geothermal energy systems. In the 20^th century it was discovered that heat beneath the earth’s surface could be harnessed and utilized. Geothermal energy systems are used to generate this power.

The fundamental principles of geothermal energy systems rest on converting the massive amounts of heat emanating from the earth’s core into usable energy. The size of the geothermal energy systems vary depending on the capacity of the area. The needs of those being served by the plant also impact the types of geothermal energy systems used.

Powering Geothermal Energy Systems

Dramatic occurrences such as geyser and volcanic eruptions are evidence of the power stored near the earth’s core. There are three methods of harvesting energy for geothermal energy systems, namely:

• Via dry steam reservoirs which are used to trap the energy produced by geysers
• Steam can be produced using wet steam reservoirs in certain areas. Water is introduced in these spots which then produces the steam required for geothermal energy systems
• Special reservoirs are used to take advantage of areas that naturally produce hot water.

Specially devised turbines are used to convert steam produced in the harnessing phase into electricity. Since rainfall is an ongoing occurrence, geothermal energy systems have an unending supply of water. As such, energy generation via steam is virtually endless.

Types of Geothermal Energy Systems

Geothermal energy systems can be used for large populated areas, businesses or single residential structures. There are four basic types of geothermal energy systems:

• Horizontal loops – these require trenches roughly 5 feet in depth. The size of the pipes used can range from 100 to 400 feet. Because of the horizontal positioning of the pipes, these geothermal energy systems require considerably more space than other systems.
• Vertical loops – as the name suggests holes are dug vertically then pipes are placed into the holes and used to harness the heat. The holes are usually hundreds of feet deep. Unlike horizontal loop geothermal energy systems, they do not require much space.
• Lake loop – a loop is placed in any body of water that is situated near to the building. Generally, no excavation is needed as all that is required is positioning the loops at the bottom of a pond or lake. These geothermal energy systems are among the most cost effective.
• Open loop – also referred to as well water systems get their energy from existing ground water. The water must be channeled back into the area after being used. This geothermal energy system is the most cost effective, and it is highly efficient.

The position of the building will influence the type of geothermal energy system used. The choice must also be weighed against immediate budgetary concerns and long term energy needs. Whichever geothermal energy system is used, they have been proven to be highly efficient sources of energy.

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