Harnessing the Earth’s Core Power
This animation shows how to harness geothermal energy for indirect use (for electricity). It begins with the earth’s core, which is continuously producing heat, transferred through the earth’s layers, warming the mantle and crust. When this heat reaches areas with high groundwater, it heats the water to produce geothermal reservoirs. These reservoirs are often found in areas with geologically active features like hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes.
In order to harness this geothermal energy, deep wells are drilled into the earth’s crust to reach these reservoirs. The heat from the geothermal reservoir turns the water into steam. In some cases, the steam is produced directly from the reservoir. In others, the hot geothermal fluid is used to heat a secondary fluid with a low boiling point, which turns into steam.
This steam then drives a turbine, which is connected to a generator. The kinetic energy of the spinning turbine is converted into electrical energy by the generator. After the steam has passed through the turbine, it is cooled and condenses back into water. This water is then re-injected into the ground to maintain pressure and sustainability in the geothermal reservoir.
Watch the full animation here ⇓
