Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Geothermal Energy Pros and Cons - What Are They?


Pros 
  • Sustainable
This is considered the primary benefit of geothermal energy. In contrast to normal energy sources like non-renewable fuels and coal, geothermal energy is part of the renewable energy sources like wind power, solar, wave, etc... Heat from the earth is just about limitless. Consequently after a geothermal heat pump system is set up, it is going to generate energy for many years, without the need to renew the source of the energy, because it is naturally replenished. 
  • Green
Sustainability is definitely the second substantial appeal of geothermal energy. It does not make air pollution of any kind consequently it does not cause long-term damage to our natural environment. We will benefit from this "eco-friendly" energy without needing to undermine the capability of future generations to supply their energy needs. 
  • Has the potential to help save a lot of money
Certainly this can be one of the primary benefits if we look at it from a monetary standpoint. Over the long-term will probably help you save a lot of money on our power costs. It can be calculated that in approximately 5-8 years the upfront investment pays off so one can take advantage of "free" electrical power afterwards (take note that this is with current systems and prices, this will unquestionably drop in the foreseeable future as a lot more citizens will start choosing geothermal energy) 
  • Harmless
The usage of a geothermal heat pump is incredibly safe (when installed properly by a skilled specialist). You don't have to think about carbon-monoxide poisoning, it simply cannot catch on fire, it is not able to explode and it doesn't radiate. No continual repairing or per year inspections are obligatory. 
  • Consistent rate of electrical power
One of the central troubles with environmentally friendly energy solutions tends to be that they are somewhat unpredictable. The wind can cease blowing temporarily, the sun rays doesn't continually shine, etc... Fortunately this isn't so with geothermal energy. One can constantly make use of geothermal heat, since it is nearly constant (around. 60 F or 16 C at the depth of 6 feet or 1.8 meters). The lower the pipes are in the earth the hotter it gets hence supplying more geothermal energy. 
  • Unrestricted capability and availability
It may perhaps be evident but geothermal energy offers infinite capacity. It will probably never (in any case not within the next couple of million years) be used up and is also at all times obtainable. 
  • Might be utilized for a wide variety of purposes
Geothermal places are found on all continents and may be used from commercial to residential electricity generation.
Cons 
  • Initial expenses will be high
Right now this is most likely the main downside. It is more pricey to set up a geothermal heat pump system than a standard system. 
  • Large area needed
A reasonably big spot is necessary to install a geothermal heating system. In case a larger sized backyard or property is available this will not be such a major problem, but a geothermal heat pump system will not be achievable in the garden of a city house, at least not with horizontal pipes. Vertical piping can also be used, but it is considerably more challenging and more higher priced to drill vertically as compared to horizontally. 
  • Electric power is still necessary
A heat pump needs electric power to operate. This is more like a drawback of a heat pump and not geothermal energy itself, however it has to be considered when figuring out if a geothermal heat pump system is the way forward.
eversity brought e-learning training program on geothermal electric power generation click to view more details 
Geothermal Electric Power Generation 
This course will provide students a critical understanding of the basic engineering concepts in Geothermal Electric Power Generation technologies.
5.6 hrs

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