Geothermal energy, horizontal directional drilling

Geothermal heating uses the natural and constant warmth that is stored in the earth’s core. Geothermal energy has been used for thousands of years. Both the Romans and the Native Americans used the natural heat supplied by hot springs. In the present time, incessant trepidation regarding energy concerns and costs have improved interest in geothermal power.

Geothermal energy is all the rage now as people seem to be learning more about this natural form of renewable energy.

Geothermal energy is used in different ways:

• To generate electricity indirectly
• To heat buildings through direct-use methods
• To cool and heat buildings by means of geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal pipe and geothermal earth loops that are used in geothermal cooling and heating systems are specifically designed from high density polyethylene pipe (HDPE pipe and PVC piping)

Here are some interesting geothermal facts:

Geothermal energy

• Geothermal energy is considered a renewable energy source since the earth constantly generates heat
• While the surface of the earth can become quite cool, even cold, the temperatures at the center of the Earth can attain several thousand degrees.
• Geothermal energy can supply both heat and electricity.

Heat from the earth

• The word “geothermal” comes from the words “geo” meaning “earth” and “thermal” meaning “heat”.
• The earth’s core temperature increases as you dig; for every 100 meters (328 feet) below ground, there is an increase in the rock temperature of approximately, 5.4˚ Fahrenheit (3˚Celsius).
• Geothermal energy is commonly acquired by accessing geothermal springs (also known as hydrothermal sites); these areas are geologically active area where water seeps into the

Earth's crust, is heated by the Earth's core and then rises to the surface of the earth in the form of steam.

Geothermal power worldwide

• Geothermal power is produced in more than 20 countries worldwide (eg: the United States, Italy, France, Iceland, New Zealand, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Russia, the Philippines, China and Japan, to name a few)
• More than 25% of Iceland’s electrical energy is produced from geothermal sources; nearly 90% of homes in Iceland are heated by geothermal heating.

In geothermal heating and cooling, vertical or horizontal drilling (eg: horizontal well drilling) wells bore into the ground to reach the constant core temperatures. A thermal loop, made out of geothermal pipe, is then created to enable the heat to be transferred to fluid within the HDPE pipes. The thermal loop is composed of a series of geothermal pipes connected using geothermal fittings. The geothermal pipes (HDPE pipes and PVC pipes) have exceptional physical and thermal characteristics. The geothermal pipes carry a fluid which connects the geothermal system's heat pump to the underground.

Geothermal power plants

• In comparison to other forms of power facilities, geothermal power plants leave a very small footprint on area in which they are located.
• Geothermal electricity plants offer a constant source of power; operating generally more than 95% of the year.
• Italy is home to the first geothermal power plant that is still in operation today; the plant started operating in 1904.
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PVC Plus Drilling Inc. supplies a complete range of drilling products and geothermal supplies that are used in geothermal heating and cooling installations. PVC Plus Drilling can supply you with geothermal fittings, well drilling supplies, geothermal accessories and HDPE pipes.

http://www.our-energy.com/energy_facts/geothermal_energy_facts.html
http://interestingenergyfacts.blogspot.com/2008/03/geothermal-energy-facts.html
http://www.cangea.ca/what-is-geothermal/geothermal-energy-facts/