Manufacturing Engineering Introduction to Geothermal Energy

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Bell Work Activity

Answer the following questions on a sheet of paper.

1. Identify three uses for steam.

2. What advantages would steam energy have over fossil fuel energy?

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Warm-Up Activity Terms

There are several important terms and definitionsstudents need to know.

1. Complete Introduction to Geothermal Energy Terms and Definitions. 2. Students may work in groups.

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Overview- Our planet is an orbiting ball of energy. Sunlight acts as a heat source for our planet and makes it possible for animal and plant life to survive. Heat from the earth’s core plays an important roll in the life of our planet as well.

- Scientists have determined that the earth’s inner core may be as hot as 4000 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The EarthCrust

Mantle

Outer Core

Inner Core

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Overview- Large bodies of water exist within the earth’s crust. Magma (hot liquid rock) from the mantle interacts with the water and can escape through cracks and create hot springs and geysers. Heat from the earth is called geothermal heat or energy and has been used by humans since ancient times.

- Geothermal energy is clean, sustainable, and accessible. However, we can only access it efficiently by drilling. The drilling process can be expensive in the beginning but the costs are recovered later.

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Harnessing Geothermal EnergyGeothermal Energy can be harnessed in several ways.

- Electrical power plantsHeat from the earth can be used to create steam to drive turbine-driven generators. A variety of configurations have been created to harness this renewable resource.

- Heat pump systemsThese are used to capture the heat from the earth for distribution to residential and commercial buildings. The energy is used to heat and cool homes; support greenhouses; cook; and heat water, spas, and aquaculture (fish farming).

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Geothermal Reservoir.

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Hot Rock Hot Rock

Magma

RainwaterRainwater

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Hot Water