With a lot of focus being given to solar power and other sources of electricity, a geothermal system is often being overlooked. The system, however, could have enough power to supply 10 million homes.
Geothermal Energy System Dubbed a 'Rock Star'
According to the story by Hackaday, the results of having Pacific Northwest National Laboratories taking over "what was once the largest and deepest gold mine in North America" could lead to enough power for 10 million homes.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has called the geothermal energy system a "rock star" and has tested it almost 1,250 meters underground. To add, the system project included academia and industry partners and a lab that aims to test out different fluids being sent "down boreholes so the Earth can heat them up.
How the System Makes Energy
As noted by Hackaday, when fluids are heated, hot fluids could result in the creation of electricity. Due to its requirements of being deep underground, the system is not that convenient to reach.
The publication, however, notes that modern technology has allowed the equipment to be "largely automated" making the experimentation process much easier on the workers. Due to automation, workers will be able to carry out experiments even with the use of a phone or computer.
How Big is the Geothermal Energy System?
The system itself is quite small and is only 2.1 meters long by 2.1 meters wide and is about 9.14 meters long as well. The system was initially assembled above the ground and tested before it was split into different sections.
The sections were then transported underground and were used as the geothermal energy system. In order to make the system easier to use, the tunnel was airconditioned.
Project Described Further in a Deep Talk
The project was talked about in detail by the researchers in a "deep talk" talking about the potential of its energy. The researchers' thoughts regarding the geothermal energy system can be seen in a video uploaded by the Sanford Underground Research Facility on YouTube.
As per PNNL scientist, Chris Strickland, the system's uniqueness is that it is capable of rolling out different components that are needed in order to "glean important data for geothermal study into one system."
Read Also: Largest Nuclear Fusion Reactor Might Not Work Due To Fuel Crisis; Tritium Shortage Getting Worst?
Two Injection Pumps Used in the Setup
Chris Strickland is also co-leading the EGS Collab's Simulation as well as the Flow team. The components are reportedly comprised of two different injection pumps with one of them used for precise flow and pressure control "while the other can be operated when high flow rates are needed."
The unique geothermal energy system is now trying to find a more feasible way to harvest and roll out the energy from underground to put into practical use.
Related Article: New Solar Cell Uses Night Vision Tech To Generate Electricity Even in Complete Darkness
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Urian B.
