Uses of Geothermal Energy in Food and Agriculture


Book Description

"Agriculture and agro-industry are important sectors in the economies of most developing countries, where they provide the main source of livelihoods for the majority of the poor. The lack of a sustainable supply of affordable energy is a major constraint to the development of these sectors in developing countries. Traditionally, geothermal energy has been utilized mainly to generate electricity; however, it can be harnessed for other important uses in agriculture and agro-industry. Developing countries endowed with this renewable energy source have ample potential to use it in advancing their agriculture and agro-industry sectors. This book reviews the use of geothermal energy in agriculture and agro-industry around the world. With a simple format and copious illustrations and models, the book is accessible to a wide range of interested readers, including those with no technical background. It shows that geothermal resources have the potential to provide long-term, secure energy for the agriculture and food industry in both developed and developing countries. Constraints and challenges that should be addressed before this potential can be fully achieved are also discussed."--Publisher's description.




Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies


Book Description

In the past several years, some energy technologies that inject or extract fluid from the Earth, such as oil and gas development and geothermal energy development, have been found or suspected to cause seismic events, drawing heightened public attention. Although only a very small fraction of injection and extraction activities among the hundreds of thousands of energy development sites in the United States have induced seismicity at levels noticeable to the public, understanding the potential for inducing felt seismic events and for limiting their occurrence and impacts is desirable for state and federal agencies, industry, and the public at large. To better understand, limit, and respond to induced seismic events, work is needed to build robust prediction models, to assess potential hazards, and to help relevant agencies coordinate to address them. Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies identifies gaps in knowledge and research needed to advance the understanding of induced seismicity; identify gaps in induced seismic hazard assessment methodologies and the research to close those gaps; and assess options for steps toward best practices with regard to energy development and induced seismicity potential.




Geothermal Energy


Book Description

Comprehensively covers geothermal energy systems that utilize ground energy in conjunction with heat pumps to provide sustainable heating and cooling The book describes geothermal energy systems that utilize ground energy in conjunction with heat pumps and related technologies to provide heating and cooling. Also discussed are methods to model and assess such systems, as well as means to determine potential environmental impacts of geothermal energy systems and their thermal interaction. The book presents the most up-to-date information in the area. It provides material on a range of topics, from thermodynamic concepts to more advanced discussions of the renewability and sustainability of geothermal energy systems. Numerous applications of such systems are also provided. Geothermal Energy: Sustainable Heating and Cooling Using the Ground takes a research orientated approach to provide coverage of the state of the art and emerging trends, and includes numerous illustrative examples and case studies. Theory and analysis are emphasized throughout, with detailed descriptions of models available for vertical and horizontal geothermal heat exchangers. Key features: Explains geothermal energy systems that utilize ground energy in conjunction with heat pumps to provide heating and cooling, as well as related technologies such as thermal energy storage. Describes and discusses methods to model and analyze geothermal energy systems, and to determine their potential environmental impacts and thermal interactions. Covers various applications of geothermal energy systems. Takes a research orientated approach to provide coverage of the state of the art and emerging trends. Includes numerous illustrative examples and case studies. The book is key for researchers and practitioners working in geothermal energy, as well as graduate and advanced undergraduate students in departments of mechanical, civil, chemical, energy, environmental, process and industrial engineering.




Ground-source Heat Pumps


Book Description




Geothermal Energy


Book Description

Geothermal energy refers to the heat contained within the Earth that generates geological phenomena on a planetary scale. Today, this term is often associated with man's efforts to tap into this vast energy source. Geothermal Energy: utilization and technology is a detailed reference text, describing the various methods and technologies used to exploit the earth's heat. Beginning with an overview of geothermal energy and the state of the art, leading international experts in the field cover the main applications of geothermal energy, including: electricity generation space and district heating space cooling greenhouse heating aquaculture industrial applications The final third of the book focuses upon environmental impact and economic, financial and legal considerations, providing a comprehensive review of these topics. Each chapter is written by a different author, but to a set style, beginning with aims and objectives and ending with references, self-assessment questions and answers. Case studies are included throughout. Whilst written primarily for professionals and students interested in learning more about geothermal energy, the book also offers those new to the field and the general geothermal community an opportunity to understand and review the potential of this exciting alternative energy source. Published with UNESCO







Geothermal Heating and Cooling


Book Description

Geothermal Heating and Cooling is a complete revision of Ground-Source Heat Pumps: Design of Geothermal Systems for Commercial and Institutional Buildings, which is recognized as the primary reference for nonresidential ground-source heat pump (GSHP) installations. This new work takes advantage of the many lessons learned since the time of the original publication, when GSHPs were primarily residential applications. Many improvements have evolved, and performance data, both positive and negative, is now available to guide the development of best practices. This essential guide for HVAC design engineers, design-build contractors, GSHP subcontractors, and energy/construction managers also provides building owners and architects with insights into characteristics of quality engineering firms and the information that should be provided by design firms competing for GSHP projects.This revision draws on new ASHRAE and industry research in critical areas, as well as measured data from long-term installations and optimized installation practices used by high-production GSHP contractors. Nearly all chapters and appendices were completely rewritten, and they include coverage of closed-loop ground (ground-coupled), groundwater, and surface-water systems plus GSHP equipment and piping. Additional information on site characterization has been added, including a new hydrogeological chapter. Another new chapter contains results of recent field studies, energy and demand characteristics, and updated information to optimize GSHP system cost. While other publications deal primarily with ground-coupled heat pumps, this text includes detailed coverage of groundwater, surface-water, and GSHP costs.Tables, graphs, and equations are provided in both Inch-Pound (I-P) and International System (SI) units. As a bonus, supplemental Microsoft® Excel® macro-enabled spreadsheets for a variety of GSHP calculations accompany the text.







Geothermal HVAC


Book Description

In-depth, practical details on geothermal HVAC systems This definitive guide covers commercial and residential geothermal heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies and explains how to take advantage of their money- and energy-saving features. Geothermal HVAC: Green Heating and Cooling reviews the array of choices currently available, offers market values for systems based on varying options and conditions, and describes how to pair the best systems for each application and budget. Whether you're a contractor or a consumer, you'll find out what you need to know to implement a geothermal HVAC system in a retrofit or new construction project, and start benefiting from this sustainable, affordable technology. Find out how to: Learn the basic types of heat transfer--convection, conduction, and radiation Understand how geothermal earth-coupled heat pumps work Determine which ground loops to use for earth coupling to best meet the demands of the site Use load sharing to channel the heat differential of one device into useful energy for another Calculate system efficiencies and heat gain and loss Understand geothermal project proposals and system pricing Benefit from incentives, tax credits, and rebates for geothermal HVAC systems Calculate your long-term return on investment Verify that your installed system is working as intended Troubleshoot your system and avoid common problems