How a Geothermal Power Plant Works

How a Geothermal Power Plant Works
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/gpp_animation.html

Geothermal Technologies Program, US Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

This simplified animation of a geothermal power plant from the U.S. Department of Energy illustrates commonalities with traditional power-generating stations. While there are many types of geothermal power plants, this animation shows a generic plant.

Discuss this Resource»
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»

B. The primary sources of energy used by society are non-renewable stores sources, such as fossil fuels and nuclear, and renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass. (Human Energy Sources)

Other materials addressing:
B. Primary Energy Sources (renewable and non-renewable).

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

The educator should point out that geothermal power plants use many of the same components as more conventional power plants, including turbines, generators, transformers, and other standard power-generating equipment.
A related website from Google Earth on Enhanced Geothermal provides a way of viewing locations that are favorable to geothermal generation: http://www.google.org/egs/

About the Science

A simple animation that shows a geothermal well, turbine, generator, and transmission.
Explanatory text is below each segment of the animation.
Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

This animation is introductory material and not a comprehensive coverage of the topic.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

A text version of the animation is available.

Jump to How a Geothermal Power Plant Works

Have you used these materials with your students? Do you have insights to share with other educators about their use? Please share with the community by adding a comment below.

Please use this space only for discussion about teaching with these particular materials.
For more general discussion about teaching climate literacy please use our general discussion boards.
To report a problem or direct a comment to the CLEAN project team please use our feedback form (or the feedback link at the bottom of every page).
Off-topic posts will be deleted.