The provided diagram illustrates the multi-step process by which heat from the earth is harnessed to generate electricity in a geothermal power plant.
Overall, the process consists of a five-stage cycle, beginning with the injection of cold water into the ground and culminating in the distribution of electricity to the national grid. The system relies on the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy, and finally into electrical power.
In the initial stages, cold water is pumped down an injection pipe to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometers. This water then flows through a “hot rocks” zone (geothermal zone), where it is heated by the earth’s internal temperature. Once heated, the water – now in the form of high-pressure steam or hot liquid – is forced back up to the surface through a production pipe.
During the final phases, the high-pressure steam enters a turbine, causing it to spin. This mechanical motion powers a generator, which converts the energy into electricity. The resulting power is then sent to consumers via long-distance transmission lines. Simultaneously, any remaining water is cooled and recycled back into the system to begin the process again.