With a neat diagram, explain the working of the Geothermal Power Plant
The correct answer and explanation is :
Geothermal Power Plant Working Principle
A Geothermal Power Plant harnesses heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. This process involves extracting steam or hot water from deep underground reservoirs and converting it into electrical energy. Below is a step-by-step explanation of its working:
Working of a Geothermal Power Plant
- Heat Extraction
- Wells are drilled into the Earth’s crust to access geothermal reservoirs containing hot water or steam.
- The temperature of these reservoirs typically ranges between 300°F (150°C) to 700°F (370°C).
- Steam Production
- The extracted hot water or steam travels through pipes to the power plant.
- In dry steam plants, steam is directly used to turn a turbine.
- In flash steam plants, high-pressure hot water is converted into steam.
- In binary cycle plants, a secondary working fluid (like isobutane) is used to extract heat from geothermal water.
- Turbine Rotation
- The high-pressure steam or secondary fluid expands and rotates a turbine, which is connected to a generator.
- The turbine’s movement drives the generator to produce electricity.
- Cooling and Re-injection
- After energy extraction, the steam is condensed back into water.
- The cooled water is re-injected into the ground to maintain sustainability.
Diagram of Geothermal Power Plant
Below is a simplified illustration of a geothermal power plant.
