Q71 – How can we use the Earth’s heat?

Geothermal Energy – Heat of the Earth

During the construction of a geothermal heating, you drill a 50 to 400 m deep hole. You have to go that deep because down there there are no seasonal weather and temperature changes. The diameter of the hole can be up to 160 mm. In general, there are two pressure-resistant plastic pipes. A heating fluid circulates through the two tubes, the fluid is heated in the bottom of the tubes and the heat is transfered to the house.

Geothermie

In a typical, privately used single-family house, 3/4 of the heating demand should be provided by geothermal energy to guarantee a profitable use.

Our house and also many houses in the neighborhood, especially the new ones, are heated with geothermal energy.

By Yannick
Source: erdwaerme-geothermie.net

Geothermal drilling

Video 1: adding a drill rod (Bohrstange ansetzen)

Video 2: Geothermal drilling machine

Geothermal drilling in Seegräben, Kanton Zürich

Test drilling in Uster City

For examining the underground there’s a test drilling needed – in the following example a bore hole of about 80 m. The data collected will result in a geological expert study. Based on the geological profile the exact drilling depth for the geothermal heating system can be determined.

 

Video & photo source: Teacher T&U, Elaine Suter

Useful links:
Kanton Zürich “Energienutzung aus Untergrund & Wasser” (awel.zh.ch)
Wärmenutzungsatlas – GIS-Browser Kanton Zürich (maps.zh.ch)

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2 thoughts on “Q71 – How can we use the Earth’s heat?

  1. It’s difficult to find educated people about this topic, however,
    you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  2. Hey there. The post gives a good and straight impression about the topic. Generally, in my opinion it would be sufficient if one would
    -catch the energy from the sky (the sun), that implies wind, etc. as well
    -make holes into the ground to get the heat
    -and some (near infinite) further possibilities (that not harm our environment or and and our future)

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