The question below shows a basic misunderstanding of thermodynamics. It is
a temperature *difference* which drives turbines, not a temperature. Since
in most parts of the world at most times of the year there is a large
difference between deep and surface temperature (in either direction - it
doesn't matter as there are such things as valves) extracting unlimited
energy is simply (!) a matter of drilling a suitably shaped bore hole (i.e.
a loop). A similar arrangement (a long tube inside another long tube) has
been shown to work for the deep oceans. This system does not in principle
require the presence of volcanos - and actually the cost-effective
completion of the circuit might actually be hindered by erratic or
unreliable geology.
The success of geothermal energy in Iceland has, I suspect, as much to do
with the absence of alternatives (wood, oil, coal etc), as with the
existence of optimal conditions. For the kind of geothermal extraction that
is projected Iceland might be a very bad place - like the difference between
being able to pick coal off the Surface and the geology actually allowing
you to mine for it.
Obviously, as with the internal combustion engine, experimental and
mass-produced technologies will have very different cost structures. But in
point of fact a basic form of geothermal heating, which involves a pipe
extended into the soil (quite near the surface) and connected to underfloor
heating in a building via a system of heat-exchange pumps, is already on the
mass-market amougst self-builders, who can see that it makes sense to pay
up-front for long-term energy requirements, just as one would rather own a
home than pay rent.
As to the eternal 'it that's so ace why aren't we doing it already?'
question, consider that in order to introduce a child to the joys of moules
et frites one has to take her lolly away for five seconds. That seems like
a fair argument for 'socialism' in the government of the home. Consider the
alternative: the government of diet on the behalf of lolly manufactures.
But don't have nightmares. That sort of thing could never happen.
E
> From: "Lawrence DeBivort" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 14:11:26 -0400
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: RE: MD In Defense Of Socialism?
>
> How would 50 C. degrees drive turbines?
>
>>> If you dig deep enough into the earth (about 4 Km I think that
>> is about 2.5
>>> miles) the temperature is in the mid 50 degrees Centigrade
>>> (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit) There you can use the heat to
>> drive turbines
>>> and produce electricity.
>
>
>
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