U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyGeothermal Technologies ProgramAnimationsThe animations shown on this page are designed and meant to help understand basic geothermal concepts, and are not meant as exhaustive and detailed depictions of technical principles. Rather, they are meant to be used in an introductory or educational context, and should prove helpful in understanding how geothermal energy is being used today. How a Geothermal Power Plant Works (Simple)View our animation to learn how a geothermal power plant works. While similar to conventional power plants, use of a geothermal energy resource makes thse plants noteworthy. How a Geothermal Power Plant Works (More Complex) Take a geothermal energy field trip—from the depths of the Earth through the turbine of a modern geothermal electric generation power plant—on your computer. You can access this virtual tour from the Geothermal Resources Council Web site. How an Enhanced Geothermal System WorksView our animation to learn how enhanced geothermal systems can vastly increase geothermal resources used for power production. Geothermal Heat PumpsGeothermal heat pumps use the stable temperatures of the ground (often vertical boreholes typically are 100 to 400 feet deep) as a heat source to warm buildings in winters and as a heat sink to cool them in summer. A heat pump works through application of the "refrigeration cycle." Also called ground-source heat pumps or Geoexchange units. Select an image below to enlarge.
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