Question

In areas of enhanced heat flow, geothermal heating can be used to supply heating to homes, either by using ground water directly or by placing a water reservoir at depth. In Northen Territories, where the average temperature over the year is 3.1°C, the geothermal flux can be as high as 180 mW m2. I you wanted to be able to supply a home with water at a temperature of 50°C, how deep would your reservoir need to be? Select one: O a. 480 m b. 390 m с, 782 m O d. 872 km с O c.

Answer 1

We know,
T = T₀ + (q / h * k)
Here T = 50⁰C
T₀ = 3.1⁰C
q = 180 mW/m²
  k = 0.009 for given T₀
h = height needed

50 = 3.1 + (180 / k * h)
h = 390 m