2. Introduction Completed a research project on alternative energy in Arkansas. I chose this subject because: it is a current global issue it is part of the 7th and 8th grade science frameworks
3. Objectives To define different forms of alternative energy To find out what alternative energy was already in existence in Arkansas To find out what alternative energy forms are possible and valuable in Arkansas
4. 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.
5. Methods and Materials Researched on Internet Interviews and Emails for information and pictures Took a few pictures myself Used the computer, digital camera, National Inventory of Dams database
6. Results and Discussion On the following slides I have information about each type of alternate energy. Definition Availability and Value in Arkansas
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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.
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. Solar Power in Arkansas Flat panel collectors 4500-5500 Watt hours/sq meter Solar Concentrators 3500-4000 Watt hours/sq meter
16. 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?
17. 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.
18. 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
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.