Geothermal
Geothermal: sustainable energy from the earth’s core
Geothermal is a renewable and sustainable energy source that harnesses heat from within the earth. This technology provides efficient solutions for heating, cooling, and electricity generation, contributing to CO₂ emission reductions and energy savings.
What is geothermal?
Geothermal is the science that studies the earth’s heat and its applications. Geothermal energy is utilized by tapping into underground heat to generate both thermal and electrical power.
There are three main types of geothermal systems:
- Low-enthalpy geothermal systems: These extract heat from the shallow subsurface for heating and cooling via geothermal heat pumps.
- Medium-enthalpy geothermal systems: These use geothermal fluids at moderate temperatures for both electricity and heat production.
- High-enthalpy geothermal systems: These leverage high-temperature geothermal fluids to generate electricity on a large scale.
Applications of geothermal
- Environmental sustainability: Geothermal is a renewable energy source that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping mitigate climate change.
- Energy efficiency: Geothermal systems provide high efficiency due to the stable underground temperatures, allowing for a very high coefficient of performance (COP).
- Reliability: Unlike other renewable sources, geothermal energy is available 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, ensuring a continuous and stable energy supply.
- Economic savings: Although the initial installation costs can be high, geothermal systems lead to significant long-term energy savings thanks to their efficiency and longevity.
- Versatility: Geothermal is applicable for heating, cooling, and electricity generation, making it a highly versatile solution across various sectors.
Where is geothermal used?
Geothermal applications cover a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors:
- Residential: Used for heating and cooling buildings via geothermal heat pumps, enhancing comfort while reducing energy costs.
- Commercial: Suitable for offices, hotels, hospitals, and other facilities requiring efficient and sustainable climate control.
- Industrial: Applied in processes that demand moderate to high temperatures, helping lower operational costs.
- Electricity generation: High-enthalpy geothermal plants are used for large-scale electricity production by leveraging high-temperature geothermal fluids.
The installation of a geothermal system requires a thorough assessment of the site’s geological characteristics and the user’s energy needs. Working with qualified professionals ensures correct system sizing and efficient installation. Key factors to consider include:
- Subsurface characteristics: The composition and temperature of the underground layers are crucial in determining the feasibility and efficiency of a geothermal system.
- System sizing: The system must be dimensioned according to the heating, cooling, and power generation requirements.
- Integration with existing systems: Geothermal systems can be integrated with other heating and cooling solutions to ensure service continuity and optimize efficiency.
Maintenance and lifespan
Geothermal systems require minimal maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Maintenance includes:
- Heat pump inspection: Regular checks on the performance and condition of geothermal heat pumps.
- Hydraulic circuit monitoring: Inspection of piping and heat-transfer fluids to prevent leaks and maintain efficiency.
- Control system monitoring: Checking system settings and operation to maximize efficiency and safety.
