Understanding Geothermal Energy and Power Plants

Created by

Jane Lhyn Villaflor

teacher

Created by

Jane Lhyn Villaflor

teacher

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of geothermal energy, its sources, and the different types of geothermal power plants, including binary cycle, dry steam, and flash steam. Learn how geothermal energy is harnessed from the Earth's heat and its significance in renewable energy.

Questions

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1. What is the primary source of geothermal energy?

A Decay of radioactive elements B Solar radiation C Wind currents D Ocean tides

2. Which country is the second top producer of geothermal energy globally?

A Iceland B Philippines C United States D Japan

3. What role do magma chambers play in geothermal energy production?

A They heat rocks that can produce geothermal energy. B They prevent radioactive decay C They store groundwater D They cool the earth's surface

4. How does the earth's formation contribute to geothermal energy?

A It generates surface water B It creates aquifers C It forms radioactive elements D Residual heat from the earth's formation contributes to geothermal energy.

5. What percentage of the Philippines' generated power comes from renewable sources?

A 70% B Almost 30% C 50% D 10%

6. What proportion of the Philippines' renewable energy is sourced from geothermal energy?

A 60% B 80% C 20% D Almost 45%

7. What elements contribute to the heat generation in geothermal energy?

A Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus B Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen C Iron, copper, and zinc D Potassium, uranium, and thorium

8. What is an aquifer in the context of geothermal energy?

A A type of magma chamber B A surface water body C A rock reservoir containing groundwater. D A radioactive element

9. Why are not all aquifers capable of producing geothermal energy?

A Not all aquifers contain heated rocks or magma chambers. B They lack groundwater C They are too deep underground D They are only found in cold regions

10. The Philippines is known as the second top producer of ____ energy globally.

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11. What is a key characteristic of aquifers related to geothermal energy?

A Aquifers contain radioactive elements B Aquifers are mostly connected with groundwater. C Aquifers are always heated by magma D Aquifers are found only in volcanic regions

12. What defines a geothermal reservoir?

A An aquifer with no heat source. B An aquifer located near a volcano. C An aquifer containing only groundwater. D An aquifer capable of producing geothermal energy.

13. What is the geothermal gradient anomaly?

A The increase in temperature as you go deeper into the ground. B The decrease in temperature as you go deeper into the ground. C The constant temperature throughout the ground. D The temperature variation at the surface.

14. What is necessary for an aquifer to produce geothermal energy?

A A heat source such as hot rocks or magma chambers. B A high altitude location. C A large amount of groundwater. D A location near the equator.

15. How does a hot rock contribute to geothermal energy production?

A It absorbs heat from the sun. B It prevents water from evaporating. C It heats the water in an aquifer, enabling geothermal energy production. D It cools the surrounding area.

16. What is the typical geothermal gradient on Earth?

A Around 1 degree Celsius per 100 meters. B Around 5 degrees Celsius per 100 meters. C Around 10 degrees Celsius per 100 meters. D Around 3 degrees Celsius per 100 meters.

17. What is the geothermal gradient on Earth?

A Around 5 degrees Celsius per 100 meters B Around 3 degrees Celsius per 100 meters C Around 1 degree Celsius per 100 meters D Around 10 degrees Celsius per 100 meters

18. Which type of geothermal power plant uses a secondary fluid to transfer heat?

A Flash steam B Binary cycle C Dry steam D Hydrothermal

19. How does a binary cycle geothermal power plant operate?

A It uses hot water directly from the reservoir to generate electricity. B It directly uses steam from the reservoir to drive turbines. C It relies on natural steam emissions from the ground. D It uses a secondary fluid to transfer heat from the geothermal reservoir.

20. What happens to temperature as you go deeper into the Earth's surface?

A Temperature decreases B Temperature increases C Temperature remains constant D Temperature fluctuates unpredictably

21. Geothermal energy is primarily derived from the decay of radioactive elements such as ____, uranium, and thorium.

22. An aquifer is a rock reservoir that contains ____ and is often connected with geothermal energy production.

23. Not all aquifers are capable of producing geothermal energy because they may lack a ____ source such as hot rocks or magma chambers.

24. Geothermal energy refers to techniques used to recover heat from the Earth's subsurface, particularly in ____.

25. The geothermal gradient on Earth is approximately ____ per 100 meters.

26. A binary cycle geothermal power plant uses a ____ to transfer heat from the geothermal reservoir.

27. An aquifer capable of producing geothermal energy is known as a ____.

28. The concept that temperature increases as you go deeper into the ground is known as ____.

29. The three types of geothermal power plants are binary cycle, dry steam, and ____ steam.

30. In a dry steam power plant, the steam is directly obtained from the geothermal ____.

Study Notes

Geothermal Energy: Harnessing Earth's Heat for Sustainable Power

Geothermal energy is a pivotal renewable resource, particularly in the Philippines, where it plays a significant role in the country's energy strategy. As the second-largest producer of geothermal energy globally, the Philippines exemplifies the potential of geothermal power in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable energy production.

Understanding Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy originates from the Earth's natural heat, primarily from radioactive decay and residual heat from its formation.
The geothermal gradient, approximately 3 degrees Celsius per 100 meters, is crucial for assessing geothermal energy potential.

Geothermal Power Plants

There are three main types of geothermal power plants: binary cycle, dry steam, and flash steam, each utilizing different methods to harness geothermal energy.
Binary cycle plants use a secondary liquid with a lower boiling point to convert heat into mechanical energy.
Dry steam plants directly utilize steam from geothermal reservoirs to generate electricity.
Flash steam plants depressurize hot water to produce steam for turbine operation.

Geothermal Reservoirs and Aquifers

Geothermal reservoirs are underground areas where heat from the Earth's core is stored, providing steam or hot water for power plants.
Aquifers connected to heat sources like magma chambers or radioactive elements can serve as geothermal reservoirs.
Sustainable practices involve re-injecting water back into reservoirs to maintain groundwater levels and resource pressure.

Key Takeaways

Global Leadership: The Philippines is a leader in geothermal energy production, showcasing its importance in the global renewable energy landscape.
Diverse Plant Types: Understanding the different types of geothermal power plants is essential for selecting appropriate technology based on available resources.
Sustainability Practices: Reinjection of water into geothermal reservoirs ensures sustainable use and minimizes environmental impact.

Geothermal energy represents a sustainable and renewable resource that can significantly contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By understanding the processes involved in geothermal power generation and the types of plants available, countries can effectively harness this natural heat to meet their energy needs while preserving environmental integrity.