Tech Directions - February 2009 - (Page 18) the building’s existing heating system using HVAC heating coils and it is put to work heating the home or building. Geothermal systems are currently at work in a variety of schools, municipal buildings, private homes, and commercial buildings. The results have been most promising. Activities Perhaps your students can perform some research and study how these systems originally came into use, and where they are being used today. Other interesting challenges Geothermal systems are currently at work in a variety of buildings. The results have been most promising. include finding answers to the following questions: • Can these systems be added to existing homes? • How are the wells drilled? • How is the water circulated down the well and back up again? • Are there varieties of geothermal systems? • What other sources of heat can be used as a source for a heat pump? • Does the liquid source always have to be water? • Could you use the incoming water supply into a home to heat the home? • How do incoming water temperatures vary during the year? • Could you design a neighborhood where all the homes used a common source of heat for their own individual heat pumps? What might such a community look like on a plot plan or map? An Internet search is bound to yield a wealth of information. You might also have student teams contact geothermal installation companies to find out how they design and install systems. Also, in bringing this subject into your class, you might initiate discussions on the need for our nation to achieve energy independence. 18 techdirections ◆ FEBRUARY 2009 http://www.chiefarchitect.com/FreeTrial http://www.chiefarchitect.com/FreeTrial http://www.g-w.com http://www.g-w.com http://www.g-w.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.