Geothermal energy is the heat energy contained within the Earth which generated geological phenomena on a planetary scale. Today the term is used to refer to the Earth's heat that could be recovered and exploited by man. This type of utilization is in a variety of forms and requires differing methods of recovery depending on the specific situation. This text explores the present understanding and utilization of geothermal energy. Focusing on a variety of applications, the contributors each develop a specific area relating to the potential of geothermal energy and its effects on a community. They give a detailed exploration of developing fields and show how cost effective geothermal energy would be given the right conditions and effective recovery systems. In This Carefully Edited Text, The Contributing Authors Each Develop A Specific Area Relating To The Possible Uses Of Geothermal Energy And Their Effects On A Community, Taking Into Account The Prevailing Social And Economic Conditions. Features Include A Comprehensive Introduction To The Nature, Classification And Distribution Of Geothermal Resources; Coverage Of The Exploitation And Utilisation Of Geothermal Energy And The Resulting Environmental Impact; Description Of Geothermal Electricity Generation, Including The Technical Features And Economic Considerations For Geothermal Plants; Study Of The Various Forms Of Non-electric Uses, From Space And District Heating And Cooling To Agriculture, Aquaculture And A Number Of Industrial Applications; And Useful Self-assessment Question And Answer Sections At The End Of Each Chapter. This Book Gives A Concise But Complete Description Of Geothermal Phenomena And Will Appeal To Advanced Undergraduate And Postgraduate Students In Power Engineering, Mechanical Engineering And Physics Who Wish To Further Their Knowledge In Geothermal Applications. Power Engineers With No Geological Background Will Also Find This Text An Invaluable Reference Source. Edited By Mary H. Dickson And Mario Fanelli. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. An introduction to the nature, classification, and distribution of geothermal resources is followed by coverage of the exploitation and use of geothermal energy and the resulting environmental impact; description of geothermal electricity generation; and various forms of non-electric uses. Intended as a distance-learning text for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate level students in power engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics. Includes questions and answers at the end of chapters. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or. Exploring the utilization of natural energy from the Earth's core, this text describes the different types of thermal energy which could be tapped and explains how cost-effective thermal energy could be, if developed under the right conditions.
