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

Hypothesis Hydroelectric 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 Internet Interviews 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

Hydroelectricity Hydroelectricity 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 Arkansas

There 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.

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Dams in Arkansas

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Hydroelectricity in Arkansas

Hydroelectricity is possible and very valuable to Arkansas as long as you are near a body of water.

Carpenter Dam, Hot Springs

Wind Power Wind 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 Arkansas Wind 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 Arkansas Wind power is possible and valuable in Arkansas, but only

in certain areas.

Arkansas wind installments

Carroll Electric Cooperative Windmill,Ponca

Solar Power Solar 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 Arkansas Solar 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, Texarkana

Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville

Solar Power in Arkansas Flat panel collectors

4500-5500 Watt hours/sq meter

Solar Concentrators

3500-4000 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 Arkansas Usually 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 Power Nuclear 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 Arkansas Nuclear 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 Power Geothermal 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 Arkansas

In the Mid-South, about 10 ft below Earth’s surface, temperature averages about 58° F. This makes the Mid-South ideal for geothermal heating

The 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.

ConclusionEnergy Form Is it possible? How valuable is it?

1-lowest5-highest

Hydroelectric Yes 4

Wind Yes 3

Solar Yes 3 (depends on collector)

Biomass Yes 5

Nuclear Yes 4

Geothermal Yes 3 (depends on location)