Geothermal energy refers to the heat generated deep inside the Earth by natural scientific processes. This heat can be released naturally by the Earth in the form of geysers, steam jets, hot springs and volcanoes. It can also be harvested by man, through deep core drilling, to generate steam which then creates power.
This course defines geothermal energy, explaining its origins and the history of human use. Then, modern principles of geothermal energy systems in commercial and residential heating and cooling are presented. At the end of this course you should be able to:
+ Define and explain the origin of geothermal energy.+ Describe direct and indirect applications of geothermal energy.+ Recognize the advantages of geothermal systems in commercial and residential applications.+ Describe the unique attributes of geothermal heat pumps.
Wesley E. Donahue, Ph.D., PE, PLS, PMP, 6σ Black Belt (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), is the course Master Instructor. Formerly, he was the director of Penn State Management Development, a self-supporting provider of education and training services to business and industry clients around the world. Before joining Penn State, he was co-founder and executive vice president of a manufacturing and specialty engineering firm; manager of corporate development and international manager of technology for a Fortune 200 company; and, professional associate of a worldwide provider of technical management professional services.
