So, How Does Geothermal Work Anyway?

By | September 12th, 2005 32 Comments

geotherm.gifGeothermal energy is potentially one of the cleanest forms out there, and in certain locations, the cheapest. There is a great explanation of how it all works on Calenergy’s Website here. Like any power plant (except photovoltaics), it all comes down to spinning a turbine, but in this case, with steam produced by the natural heat of the earth. But it’s a little more complicated than that… have a look at the series of Quicktime Videos for more!
(Via Curt Rosengren)

32 Comments

Categorized: Clean Technology, Recycling, Renewable Energy|

  • http://blog.movetoiceland.com/ Icelander

    By removing heat from an area with active volcanism, could this prevent earthquakes or eruptions? That in itself is a valuable service, if it’s true.

    There’s another type of geothermal energy, one which exists almost everywhere. Geothermal heat pumps use the constant 52 degree temperature of the soil below the frost line as a heat sink, pulling heat out of it in the winter and pumping heat into it in the summer. They’re much more efficient than atmospheric heat pumps and much quieter, since they don’t have a large fan moving a lot of air. Most owners say they’re about as loud as a large refrigerator. And since they can be kept inside, their functional lifetime is longer than an atmospheric system. Installation costs are higher since a ground-loop system needs to be installed, but it’s definitely worth looking into.

  • VIJAY KUMAR

    AS A NATURE LOVER I WANT THIS GEOTHERMAL PLANTS TO BE INSTALLED EVERY WHERE BECAUSE IT CAN GIVE A PERFECT SOLUTION TO MOST OF THE PROBLEMS BEING FACED BY OUR ECOSYSTEM.
    EXPERIMENTS NEED TO BE ACCELARATED IN THIS WAY

  • http://1254489 Abby

    how does this work agian? I am using this for a project!!!
    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    But how does geothermal energy really work ?

  • Becky Nier

    how does geothermal energy really work? How did we get the idea to even call it geothermal energy anyway

  • http://HFTGG JEFF

    IT DOOOOOOESNT WOOOOOOOOORRRRRKKKKKKKK

  • Anonymous

    Geothermal works by installing loops into the ground. The loops are filled with a water based solution and the energy from the earth heats the water which then runs into the units heat exchanger and then heats and cools your house. It can be ran, water to forced air, water to water, and can even be used to heat your hot water tank. It can also be used for radiant floor heating.

  • Anonymous

    Geothermal works by installing loops into the ground. The loops are filled with a water based solution and the energy from the earth heats the water which then runs into the units heat exchanger and then heats and cools your house. It can be ran, water to forced air, water to water, and can even be used to heat your hot water tank. It can also be used for radiant floor heating.

  • http://2334 amonymoose

    i love this solution!!!!

  • http://2334 amnomoose

    if u know bebe, shes cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://www.myspace.com/ishara_8 Ishara

    Do u have a picture that is labeled about how geothermal works can u send it to me quickly plz

  • bigmanoncampus

    dam u hoes r mean

  • bigmanoncampus

    o ya by the way i go to riverside and shit who really cares about geothermal power and how it works ok and if u really wanna find out shit look 4 it your self!

  • kyler

    i still dont know how does it work

  • kyler

    i still dont know how does it work

  • kyler

    i still dont know how does it work

  • kyler

    i still dont know how does it work

  • kyler

    i still dont know how does it work

  • bigboidomdom

    oi punks lets all just take a breather here we can disscuss this like men over lemonade and bourbons.
    do not shrink me magic lady
    ps your mother was a hampster and your father smelt of elder berries

  • bigboidomdom

    oi punks lets all just take a breather here we can disscuss this like men over lemonade and bourbons.
    do not shrink me magic lady
    ps your mother was a hampster and your father smelt of elder berries

  • bigboidomdom

    oi punks lets all just take a breather here we can disscuss this like men over lemonade and bourbons.
    do not shrink me magic lady
    ps your mother was a hampster and your father smelt of elder berries

  • sam woodard

    dode i totally did your mum

  • sam woodard

    lets bang like rabbits wid ure geothermal assess!!!!

  • M6

    it really turns me on when geeks argue
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    ohhhhh

  • Anonymous

    Im at school, And Im doing this for a project.. Umm.. This doesnt make sense..

  • http://SKEEN YOUR DAD

    OI YOU DICKHEADSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
    WHY ARGUE OVER STUPID STUFF LIKE DIS BLUD..
    ILL SPARK YOU ALL U FUKIN PUNKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    WASTEMANSSSSS

  • http://SKEEN YOUR DAD

    OI YOU DICKHEADSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
    WHY ARGUE OVER STUPID STUFF LIKE DIS BLUD..
    ILL SPARK YOU ALL U FUKIN PUNKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    WASTEMANSSSSS

  • http://SKEEN YOUR DAD

    OI YOU DICKHEADSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
    WHY ARGUE OVER STUPID STUFF LIKE DIS BLUD..
    ILL SPARK YOU ALL U FUKIN PUNKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    WASTEMANSSSSS

  • Anonymous

    u wankers and ya nana licks shit

  • jack callum

    jo my name is jack parson u is all gayy

  • Anonymous

    did anyone know tht geothermmall power is sprayed on bud to make it green

  • kaitlyn may sands

    copol