Alternate Energy In ArkansasBy: Elizabeth Nolen

IntroductionCompleted a research project on alternative energy in Arkansas.I chose this subject because:it is a current global issueit is part of the 7th and 8th grade science frameworks

ObjectivesTo define different forms of alternative energyTo find out what alternative energy was already in existence in ArkansasTo find out what alternative energy forms are possible and valuable in Arkansas

HypothesisHydroelectric power is possible and valuable in Arkansas.Solar power is possible but not very valuable in Arkansas.Wind power is possible but not very valuable in Arkansas.Nuclear power is possible and valuable in Arkansas.Biomass is possible and very valuable in Arkansas.Geothermal power is possible and valuable in certain parts of Arkansas.

Methods and MaterialsResearched on InternetInterviews and Emails for information and picturesTook a few pictures myselfUsed the computer, digital camera, National Inventory of Dams database

Results and DiscussionOn the following slides I have information about each type of alternate energy.DefinitionAvailability and Value in Arkansas

HydroelectricityHydroelectricity is formed by converting the kinetic energy from flowing or falling water into electricity.This is done by the use of hydroelectric dams.In order to take advantage of this energy source, you must have access to a body of water.Narrows Dam, Murfreesboro

Hydroelectricity in ArkansasThere are over 1200 dams in Arkansas. Only 6 have hydroelectricity as their primary purpose.Out of 525 others, 14 have hydroelectricity as “other purpose”. The primary purpose for these is either flood control or recreation.

Hydroelectricity in ArkansasHydroelectricity is possible and very valuable to Arkansas as long as you are near a body of water.Carpenter Dam, Hot Springs

Wind PowerWind power is formed by converting the kinetic energy of wind into a useful energy, such as electricity. This is done using wind turbines.Wind power produces about 1.5% of the worlds electricity use.St. Thomas Episcopal Church,Springdale

Wind Power In ArkansasWind power in Arkansas is shown by “wind output” maps. Wind outputs comes in 7 classes, with 1 being the lowest and 7 being the highest.Arkansas’ wind output is pretty low in most of the state. The highest classes are in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain areas.

Wind Power in ArkansasWind power is possible and valuable in Arkansas, but only in certain areas.Arkansas wind installmentsCarroll Electric Cooperative Windmill,Ponca

Solar PowerSolar energy converts the radiant energy from the sun into different forms.There are different ways to collect and convert the energy.Flat-Plate (solar panel)Solar Concentrator (tracks the sun)The most expensive part of solar energy is storing it.Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock uses rooftop solar Panels to power the library archives

Solar Power in ArkansasSolar output data in Arkansas shows that like wind output, Arkansas is in the middle. Flat-Panel solar collectors are more likely to be valuable in Arkansas than the solar concentrators. Solar power is possible in Arkansas but only valuable when using flat-panel collectors.Trice Elementary School, TexarkanaFayetteville High School, Fayetteville

Solar Power in ArkansasFlat panel collectors4500-5500 Watt hours/sq meterSolar Concentrators3500-4000 Watt hours/sq meter

Biomass“Biomass refers to all of the Earth’s vegetation and all the products and co-products that come from it.” (from arkansasenergy.org)Any waste product of farming could be used to produce biomass energy, including livestock waste and burning wood.Biomass is already a natural part of the carbon cycle, so why not use it more readily?

Biomass in ArkansasUsually when biomass is mentioned, people think of biofuel. In Arkansas, 27 counties have biofuel suppliers.19 of these are located along the Mississippi river.Biomass is possible and VERY valuable in Arkansas if people would use it.

Nuclear PowerNuclear power refers to any nuclear technology used to produce usable energy from atomic nuclei using controlled nuclear reactions. Reactors heat up water, then the steam that is produced is converted to mechanical energy for the production of electricity or propulsion.Nuclear Powered Ships

Nuclear Power in ArkansasNuclear power plants are possible anywhere, as long as there is enough land in the right spot.Of 31 states with nuclear energy, Arkansas ranks 18th with Arkansas Nuclear One power plant near Russelville. This plant consists of two units. These 2 units are 2/5 used by ENTERGY in the southeast.

Geothermal PowerGeothermal power is energy that is from extracted heat from inside Earth. (geo=earth, thermal=heat)Geothermal energy has been used for centuries. People would use the heat from the earth to cook and heat their homes. Geothermal energy is always going to be there and there is no need to transport the fuel because geothermal plants are usually built on top of the source.

Geothermal Energy in ArkansasIn the Mid-South, about 10 ft below Earth’s surface, temperature averages about 58° F. This makes the Mid-South ideal for geothermal heatingThe first known commercial use in the US was in bath houses in Hot Springs. Geothermal energy is possible and valuable in Arkansas, particularly around the Hot Springs area.

Conclusion