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Questions and Answers
Match the following types of geothermal reservoirs with their descriptions:
Dry steam = Steam extracted from fractures in the ground used to drive turbines Flash steam = Underground water pumped to a low-pressure area, resulting in steam for turbines Binary steam = Hot water passed through a secondary fluid to drive turbines Geothermal energy = Renewable resource relying on Earth's continuous heat production
Match the following statements with the correct type of geothermal power plant:
Release essentially no emissions = Binary cycle systems Considered baseload systems = Geothermal power plants Deliver energy 24/7, 365 days a year = Geothermal power plants Tap into natural reservoirs of steam and hot water = Geothermal systems
Match the following methods of harnessing geothermal energy with their processes:
Directly driving turbines with extracted steam = Dry steam Pumping water to create steam for turbines = Flash steam Passing hot water through a secondary fluid for vapor to drive turbines = Binary steam Replenished by Earth's heat production = Geothermal energy
Match the following characteristics with the appropriate description of geothermal power generation:
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Match the following geothermal power plant features with their benefits:
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Match the following descriptions with the correct classification of geothermal reservoirs:
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Match the following with their associated capacity factor:
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Match the following with their associated efficiency range:
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Match the environmental concern with the geothermal energy advantage:
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Match the country with its geothermal energy feature:
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Match the following with their associated heating and cooling system type:
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Match the following with their geothermal energy application location:
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Study Notes
Unleashing Geothermal Power: Heat Transfer, Renewable Energy, and Geothermal Generation
Geothermal energy, the harnessing of Earth's internal heat, has been a reliable source of clean and continuous power for over a century. This natural resource is not only abundant but also renewable, as it relies on the continuous production of heat within our planet.
Heat Transfer and Geothermal Systems
Geothermal systems tap into natural reservoirs of steam and hot water found at varying depths beneath Earth's surface. These reservoirs are classified as:
- Dry steam: Steam extracted from fractures in the ground is used to directly drive turbines.
- Flash steam: Underground water is pumped to a low-pressure area, resulting in steam that drives turbines.
- Binary steam: Hot water is passed through a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point, causing the fluid to turn to vapor and drive turbines.
Renewable Energy and Geothermal Power Generation
Geothermal energy is a renewable resource because it is continually replenished by the Earth's heat production. The most common type of geothermal power plants are binary cycle systems, which release essentially no emissions. Unlike other renewable energy sources, geothermal power plants are considered baseload systems, delivering energy 24/7, 365 days a year.
Capacity Factor and Efficiency
Geothermal power plants have a high capacity factor, often reaching values well above 90%, due to their independence from climate and the absence of a fuel cycle. Conversion efficiency in geothermal power plants is typically between 10 and 17% for conventional geothermal systems, lower than in other renewable technologies.
Challenges and Advantages
Geothermal systems face some environmental concerns, including the release of hydrogen sulfide and the disposal of geothermal fluids. However, they produce only about one-sixth of the carbon dioxide that a relatively clean natural-gas-fueled power plant would produce. Geothermal energy is also scalable, with potential for mobile power plants that could serve isolated or impoverished communities.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) take advantage of the Earth's heat to heat and cool buildings. GHPs are considered one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally safe heating and cooling systems.
Geothermal Energy in Practice
Geothermal energy is generated in over 20 countries, with the United States being the world's largest producer. Iceland is particularly noteworthy, with many of its buildings and swimming pools heated with geothermal hot water. The Geysers complex in California is the largest geothermal energy complex in the world.
Conclusion
Geothermal energy is a vast, renewable resource that can provide a sustainable and reliable source of power. With advances in technology and continued research, the potential for geothermal energy to meet the world's energy needs is promising.
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Description
Explore the world of geothermal energy, learn about heat transfer in geothermal systems, renewable energy generation, and the advantages and challenges of utilizing Earth's internal heat. Discover how geothermal power plants work, their efficiency, sustainable practices, and the global impact of geothermal energy.