Geothermal Energy: Using the Earth to Heat Buildings and Generate Electricity

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Unlike the air, the temperature in the subsoil varies very little during the year or according to geographical position. A few meters below the surface, the ground temperature is between about 10 to 21°C (50 to 70°F) depending on the region. Dig deeper, and the temperature increases between 20 to 40 degrees centigrade per km, reaching the Earth's core, which approaches 5000 °C. In fact, thinking about how we inhabit a sphere that is orbiting through space with a glowing center can be distressing for some. However, it may be helpful to learn that using Earth's forming energy to generate electricity is a sustainable and efficient way that is already common in some countries. At the same time, we can also take advantage of the mild temperature found a few meters under the ground to acclimatize buildings, whether in hot or cold climates.

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Therme Vals / Peter Zumthor. Image © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
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Cite: Souza, Eduardo. "Geothermal Energy: Using the Earth to Heat Buildings and Generate Electricity" [Energia geotérmica: utilizando o calor da Terra para climatizar edifícios e gerar eletricidade] 08 Feb 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/975502/geothermal-energy-using-the-earth-to-heat-buildings-and-generate-electricity> ISSN 0719-8884

Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies / Mario Cucinella Architects. Image © Mario Cucinella Architects

地热能:利用地球为建筑物供暖和发电

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