As the world continues to face energy challenges, it is increasingly important to understand the sources and forms of energy. Thermal energy, in particular, is a vital component of many energy systems and has a wide range of applications, from heating homes and the energy industries to cooking and transportation.

In this article, we will discover information about thermal energy, its scientific principles, and its various applications in our daily lives. We will also examine the environmental impacts of thermal energy and how new innovations are changing the way we think about energy production and consumption.

Definition of thermal energy

Thermal energy is a type of energy generated by the movement of particles within matter. That is, it is a form of kinetic energy that is converted into heat by the movement of dense atoms and molecules. This movement can be either translational, rotational, or vibrational.

Thermal energy is present in all matter, and is responsible for a wide range of physical phenomena, from the expansion and contraction of materials to the transfer of heat from one body to another. The amount of thermal energy in a substance is proportional to its temperature and is measured in joules or calories.

Information about types of thermal energy

Different types of heat and energy are related to their applications and sources. Understanding the different types of thermal energy is important for designing and improving thermal systems, as well as for exploring new and more sustainable energy sources. Their types are as follows :

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy  is also called geothermal energy, and it is a type of thermal energy generated by the heat of the Earth’s interior. This heat can be harnessed through the use of geothermal power plants, which extract hot water or steam from underground reservoirs and use it to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that has the potential to supply a significant portion of the world’s human electricity needs.

Solar thermal energy

Thermal solar power  is a type of thermal energy generated by the heat of the sun. They can be harnessed through the use of solar thermal collectors, which capture sunlight and use them to heat a fluid or air. This hot fluid can then be used to generate electrical power, heat buildings, or provide hot water. They are considered a renewable and sustainable source of energy, and are increasingly being used to power homes and businesses around the world.

Thermonuclear energy

Thermonuclear energy   is a type of thermal energy generated by the process of nuclear fission, which releases thermal energy stored in atomic nuclei. This heat can be harnessed through the use of nuclear power plants, which generate electricity by using heat to produce steam that drives turbines. Nuclear energy is a controversial resource that is often debated due to safety concerns and long-term storage of nuclear radiation waste.

Thermal energy sources

Some renewable and non-renewable sources of thermal energy include :

• The sun (solar radiation).
• Underground (geothermal energy).
• Combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas).
• Nuclear fission.
• Friction.
• chimical interaction.
• electrical resistance.
• Waste resulting from industrial processes.
• Biomass.
• Ocean thermal energy.

Information about renewable thermal energy

Renewable thermal energy refers to the type of thermal energy that is generated from sources that are naturally renewed over time without depleting basic resources. Unlike non-renewable sources of thermal energy, which are finite and will eventually run out. Some common examples of renewable sources of thermal energy include :

Biomass energy :
Biomass energy is produced from organic materials, such as wood, crops, and waste materials. This energy source is created through the process of combustion, gasification, or fermentation, which can be harnessed to produce heat, electricity, or gas.

Hydrothermal energy : Hydrothermal
energy is generated by harnessing heat from hot springs and other groundwater sources. These two types are considered renewable energies in addition to solar energy, as heat from them is constantly renewed in natural habitats.

Uses and benefits of thermal energy

A. _ Economically,
thermal energy has many benefits and uses. It can help reduce energy costs for homes and businesses  , especially when used for heating and cooling purposes. In addition, the use of thermal energy can create jobs and promote economic growth in the renewable energy sector.

B. _ Socially
thermal energy can have a positive impact by improving access to energy in remote and underdeveloped areas. For example, improving the quality of life of individuals by providing access to basic services such as heating, cooking and refrigeration.

C. _ Environmentally,
thermal energy has many benefits and uses. Because it is a renewable energy source, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, thermal energy sources do not produce air pollution or contribute to environmental degradation. In addition, the use of thermal energy can help reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promote a more sustainable future.

Generating electricity from thermal energy

Example: Waste-to-energy ( WtE ) plants generate electricity from thermal energy by burning waste materials such as municipal solid waste or industrial waste. The process usually includes the following steps :

• Collecting waste and transporting it to the factory.
• Sorting waste to remove recyclable materials such as glass and plastic.
• Burning the remaining waste in the combustion chamber.
• (High temperatures, about  850  to  1000  °C .)
• Using the heat generated by the combustion process to boil water and produce steam.
• Directing the steam to a turbine, which powers a generator that produces electricity.

Thermal power plants

Saudi Arabia has several thermal power plants that generate electricity by burning fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. Some of the major thermal power plants in the country include :

1-  Rabigh Station : It is located in Rabigh on the Red Sea coast. Its production capacity is  2800 megawatts .
2-  Shuaiba Station : It is located on the Red Sea coast, near the city of Jeddah. Its total capacity is  5600 megawatts .
3- Al-  Qarya Steam Station : It is located in Al-Qarya in the eastern region of the Kingdom. Its production capacity is  3927 megawatts .
4-  Ghazlan Steam Station : Located in the city of Ghazlan in the Eastern Province. Its capacity is  2600 megawatts .