As much as we depend upon fossil fuels for energy generation, we can’t escape the fact that Mother Nature isn’t making more fossil fuels anytime soon. Thus, the search for reliable and cost-effective alternative energy sources continues.
One alternative—geothermal energy—has been around for ages. However, due to relatively high startup costs, it really hasn’t taken hold like many experts wish it would. In fact, geothermal still accounts for less than one percent of energy generated in the United States.
That may change in the coming years, though, as a Bloomberg article notes that “fast-track regulatory approval as well as continued federal tax credits” may give geothermal the boost it has been desperately needing.
The “artificial intelligence-driven power boom” may also help drive funding toward geothermal startups. One such startup, Rodatherm Energy, recently made waves with its plan “to build a pilot system in Utah” featuring its “closed-loop geothermal energy system” that “uses refrigerants, not water, to make energy.”
According to Bloomberg, “[t]he technology is optimized to work in hot sedimentary rock, which is commonly found in basins throughout the western U.S. and Gulf Coast…By creating an encased, closed-loop system that utilizes refrigerants similar to those used in heat pumps instead of water to generate electricity, Rodatherm will be able to lower costs and increase its projects’ bankability.”
Moreover, “[t]he technology can also help reduce water use, something that’s a concern in the increasingly arid western U.S.” Expected to be operational by the end of 2026, the first pilot loop will supply approximately 1.8 megawatts to Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems.
Exciting new technologies like those being developed by Rodatherm Energy will require highly skilled workers with a unique mixture of both HVAC and geothermal skills. Fortunately, Amatrol offers a wide variety of training tools and systems to teach workers the skills they need to succeed.
For example, Amatrol’s training systems combine in-depth curriculum with real industrial equipment:
- Amatrol’s 950-GEO2D Geothermal Troubleshooting Learning System with Desuperheater uses an exposed component layout so that learners can see each component’s role in a geothermal system. Learners can easily observe, monitor, and test each component mounted and labeled on a vertical panel. Sight glasses installed in the 950-GEO2D allow the learner to see the refrigerant’s changing state as it passes through the system. Amatrol also includes pressure and temperature gauges at key points to show the system’s performance at a glance. Additionally, the system includes a custom designed, temperature-controlled ground simulator so the system can run continuously.
- Amatrol’s T7100 Residential Heat Pump Troubleshooting Learning System teaches the critical hands-on skills HVACR technicians need to succeed when working with residential HVAC systems that use a heat pump and traditional ducting. Learners will work with real equipment, such as a heat pump condenser, heat pump air handler, Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, fuse box, ducting, and manifold.
Reach out to an expert training consultant with Amatrol today to get started on the path to training the next generation of workers!
