The word “geothermal” literally means “earth heat energy” (geo – earth, thermal – heat). The main source of energy is a constant flow of heat from the hot depths of the earth’s surface. This heat is enough to melt the rocks beneath the earth’s crust, turning them into magma. Most of the magma remained below ground and heats the rock. Underground water is heated to a high temperature sometimes reaching 371° C.
Heat of the earth is the largest renewable outlet of the planet’s energy, which is significantly different from other alternatives of heat deposits. It can be used in different climatic conditions and at different times of the year. The utilization factor of geothermal power plants is generally above 90%. Price of electricity given by these plants is lower than that of electricity produced using other renewable energy sources.
Geothermal Energy (GTE), despite its youth (it has only a 100-year history) is developing rapidly worldwide. In the energy balance of US GTE share currently stands at 0.02%, but there are significant geothermal resources in the country in excess of their thermal equivalent of the traditional supplies of energy fuels, confirming the advisability of such an energy-efficient industry. Thus, young specialists with geothermal degree are quite demanded these days.
The overall heat balance of the first 10 km of the crust is thousands times greater than the calorific value of the world’s reserves of fuel. The calculations show that in the middle of the earth contains a lot more heat than it could obtain by splitting in nuclear reactors all terrestrial uranium and thorium. If humanity is to use only one geothermal energy will be 41 million years before the temperature drops to depths of the Earth half a degree.
What is Studied during Training in Geothermal Energy?
First of all, future specialists with geothermal degree study sources of this energy and the ways to use it. Sources of geothermal energy on the classification of the International Energy Agency are divided into five types:
- Deposits of dry steam geothermal – is relatively easy to develop, but quite rare, however, half of all actors in the world GeoTPP uses the heat of these sources;
- Sources of wet steam (a mixture of hot water and steam) – are more common, but their development has to address to prevent corrosion of equipment GeoTPP and the environment (removal of condensate from the high degree of salinity);
- Field of geothermal water (containing hot water or steam and water) – are so-called geothermal reservoirs, which are formed as a result of the filling of underground cavities by water precipitation, heated by the magma lies close;
- Hot dry rocks, magma heated (at a depth of 2 km and more) – the most of their energy reserves are large;
- Magma, which is heated to 1300° C.
Geothermal heat can be recycled or “directly” or convert it into electricity, if the coolant temperature reaches 150 ° C.
There are several ways to produce energy Geothermal power plants:
- Direct scheme: steam is sent through pipes to the turbine connected to electric generators;
- Indirect scheme: similar to the direct scheme, but before entering the steam pipe clear of gases that cause the destruction of the pipes;
- Mixed scheme: the scheme is similar to direct, but after the condensation of water removed does not dissolve in her gas.
Universities offering Geothermal Degree
1. West Virginia University
This university has a great history of scientific achievements in new grounds, including geothermal energy. It is a constant participant of international collaboration groups. Students are provided with comprehensive sources.
2. Oregon Institute of Technology
Department of Energy Usage in this university is very respectable and recognized by a wide community. Quality training program helps students to study intensively and comprehensively. Master and Bachelor degrees offered.
3. Cornell University
This University has a research facility for alternative energy sources. Students can be on a research team from their sophomore year. Great opportunities of scientific work offered.
4. Stanford University
Stanford is leading university in energetic studies. A reach base of learning sources, including monographs of Stanford professors make a decent theoretical basis. Enrolling on course in geothermal energy is done twice a year.