Could a system be set up where the heat at the Earth's core would provide electricity for the world?

Question

Could the electricity be generated and distributed efficiently? What would the consequences be?

Answer 1

Theoretically, this must be possible. However, we have barely been able to break through the first layer of the Earth's surface, and we are nowhere near being able to get at the core.

However, if these technological hurdles were overcome, there is certainly enough energy in the form of heat. The core is hotter than the surface of the sun. Of course, that is also a technological hurdle: how do you create a device that does not melt at that temperature?

As for the consequences, I'm afraid that noone could say for sure. We do not yet really understand the dynamics of the Atmosphere, and at least we can *see* that. Most of what we know about the core is indirect knowledge at best. I suppose we would want to find out of disturbing the core in that way could affect volcanos or continental drift, but I would guess that the miniscule amount of energy that we need (compared to the energy being created) would have no effect at all.

Answer 2

Why isn't (isn't) electricity made out of the warmth of the earth discovered under the earth's crust? easily, geo-thermal power drills pipelines down into the earth to circulate a fluid that warms up deep interior the earth and that's then pumped to the floor the place its warmth is exchanged to, say, a residing area. The now, cooler liquid then circulates backtrack under to be reheated. producing rather electricity from a warmth exchanger is fairly inefficient. this is in user-friendly terms slightly useful adequate to drill all that way into the earth in user-friendly terms for the warmth on my own. fortuitously, utilising geo-thermal power to warmth an place of work construction or such saves an excellent kind of electricity and/or fossil fuels interior the long-term.

Answer 3

The name for the type of energy production you are referring to is "geothermal", and yes, it is very much possible. In fact, you do not have to go anywhere as deep as the Earth's core to take advantage of it. Each mile down you drill, the Earth is a measurable amount hotter. Go down just a few miles and there would be a sufficient temperature gradient for power production. In fact, Iceland generates most of its electricity this way. They have an advantage though - Iceland has many active volcanoes so extraction of geothermal power only requires them to drill a short distance down.

Answer 4

How about a method to capture the kinetic energy of vehicles driving down the highways that criss-cross this nation? Why does the earth have to be the source? We expend and waste so much energy on a daily basis that it would be staggering if we could figure out a way to harness it. How about a way to capture energy from people walking? Make everyone wear corduroys and battery packs! Think outside the box!

Answer 5

Someone has mentioned the difficulties in drilling and obtaining sufficient energy to justify the cost of drilling. In some places in the world (usually near volcanic activity) there is hot material relatively close to the surface and water/steam under pressure can economically be recovered to produce electricity. Iceland is one country which has plentiful supplies and they are looking at possible ways to export it.

Answer 6

This is already being practiced indirectly by use of geothermal energy. In today's application, underground water deposits are heated by the earths internal heat....molten material. This hot water can be mined and used for preheating water used in steam boilers.

The problem is that these geothermal water streams are very corrosive, and the materials of construction to capture this energy is expensive. As long as oil is cheap enough, it will be the primary source of energy used.

Answer 7

i doubt it, since the farthest we've ever drilled was 12 km into the earth's crust. since the radius of the earth is about 6,370 km, we have a long way to go. also, as we get closer to the core gravitational forces get much stronger. that would have a big effect on the type of equipment that we could use.

Answer 8

i dont think so yet because most metals melt at the core so there shouldnt be a way to set up a system. Maybe in the future they could

Answer 9

Get a copy of the most recent Popular Science. There's an article on energy solutions. One of them is similar to what you suggest.

Answer 10

Sure, but then you'd have a hole in the earth, which may spurt molten lava. Not to mention how hot it is.