Geothermal Energy
Have you ever seen pictures of a volcano or a geyser? If so, then you've seen geothermal energy in action!
Here's how it works: about four feet underground, the temperature of the earth stays the same all year long, about 55 degrees. A geothermal heating system uses pipes buried more than four feet deep in the earth. That is another reason why it's important for adults to call 811 before they dig in their yard so they don't hit buried piping. The system pumps a liquid through the pipes to absorb the heat and brings it back indoors. A device called a "heat exchanger" takes the heat from the liquid and uses it to heat the air inside the home. A geothermal system can cool your house during the summer, too! It just works in reverse, absorbing the heat from the air inside your home and moves it back into the earth. A geothermal heater is also very energy-efficient. Almost none of the energy used is wasted, so it helps keep heating bills very low during the winter. |
Geothermal at school Schools all over the Midwest are using geothermal energy for heating and air conditioning. Geothermal is great for schools because it uses a lot less energy than other types of heating and cooling equipment. |
Electricity from under the earth
We can also use geothermal energy to make electricity. A geothermal power plant works by tapping into steam or hot water reservoirs underground; the heat is used to drive an electrical generator.
Most geothermal plants are located in the western United States, where hot water reservoirs are common. The Geysers power plant in northern California is the world's largest geothermal power plant, producing enough electricity to light up more than 22,000 homes.
Want to learn more?
If you need more information about geothermal energy, check out Energy Kids.
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