07c Geothermal Experiential Learning Tool

Residential energy use is responsible for about 20% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S. due to the continued use of fossil fuels to heat and cool homes (1-2). In heating-dominated states in the U.S. Northern Tier, heating often is among the largest contributors to the state's carbon footprint (3). Because heating represents about 20% (20 E.J. per year) of the annual primary energy consumption in the U.S.—with most of it coming from burning natural gas, oil, and propane in furnaces—deploying geothermal heating on a national scale could have a significant impact on lowering carbon emissions (4). Although Geothermal heat is readily available in rural areas according to DOE and EPA, many rural residents do not use geothermal heating and cooling system because of the lack of accessibility of education, training, and availability of expert geothermal HVAC installers. Phase I: To solve these challenges, Pathways United will develop a state-of-the-art workforce development software and program to foster experiential learning that aligns with bioenergy employers’ expectations and the bioenergy curriculum. The Geothermal Experiential Learning Tool – Geothermal Ready will link geothermal heating and cooling experts to rural and remote communities without a local workforce or the resources to bring in an expert from outside their region. The training materials and curricula for HVAC installers professional on geothermal will be available in apps, androids, ios devices, and television and cable APPs for a broad reach to equip HVAC technicians with the education and training needed to promote the use of the geothermal solution in low resource areas. The technological innovation moves beyond delivering training in a diverse format using the individual learning styles, but the APP has three more distinct innovative characteristics. Other characteristics in the virtual study group are the scan feature of the APP to determine how the current system could transition into a geothermal heating and cooling system and the AI-Based0 Picture Translation feature. The user will be able to take a photo of different parts, tools, and components related to HVAC heating and cooling, and the APP will be able to determine the name of the part and the use. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The program will deliver a smart technology workforce platform for the geothermal industry. The platform uses an LPX learning and training platform with many innovative features to support the training and help the rural community transition its current heating and cooling system into geothermal heating and cooling. The commercial application and benefits are enormous in reducing emissions, helping impoverished rural communities save on electricity, and creating a skilled geothermal workforce.