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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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The process of producing energy by utilizing heat trapped inside the earth surface is called
Hydrothermal energy
Geo-Thermal energy
Solar energy
Wave energy
Geo-Thermal energy
Quick Summary: Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored within the Earth. It is harnessed by tapping into subsurface heat, often in the form of steam or hot water, to drive turbines for electricity generation.
Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored within the Earth. It is harnessed by tapping into subsurface heat, often in the form of steam or hot water, to drive turbines for electricity generation.
Q=mcΔT — Basic heat transfer equation where Q is heat, m is mass, c is specific heat, and ΔT is temperature difference.
P=ηm˙Δh — Electrical power output where η is efficiency, m˙ is mass flow rate, and Δh is enthalpy change.
The Earth's core maintains high temperatures due to radioactive decay of isotopes like uranium and thorium. Water seeping underground is heated by these rocks to form geothermal reservoirs. This high-pressure steam or hot water is brought to the surface to spin turbine blades connected to a generator, converting thermal energy into electrical energy.
Geothermal energy is a base-load power source, meaning it provides constant, reliable energy regardless of weather.
It is categorized as a renewable energy source because the heat from the Earth's core is effectively inexhaustible on human timescales.
Common conversion technologies include dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle power plants.
Minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
High capacity factor compared to solar or wind.
Small land footprint per unit of energy produced.
Site-specific; only viable in geologically active regions.
Potential risk of surface instability or induced seismicity.
High initial exploration and drilling costs.
Utility-scale electricity generation.
Direct district heating for residential and industrial buildings.
Agricultural drying and greenhouse heating.
The geothermal gradient is the rate at which Earth's temperature increases with depth, typically about 25−30°C per kilometer in the upper crust.
Option A (Hydrothermal) is a subset of geothermal, but 'Geo-Thermal' is the broader and more accurate term for the described process.
B is correct — The process of extracting heat from beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity is known as Geothermal energy.
When analyzing renewable sources, remember that Geothermal is unique because it is independent of solar radiation, relying instead on the Earth's internal thermal energy.