Download Geothermal Energy

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
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-ityourself project especially if you want a financial
grant!)
Geothermal Installation
Geothermal Installation
Geothermal Installation
Geothermal Installation
Successful Geothermal Applications
Successful Geothermal Applications
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
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.