Roll-up sides and drop-down curtains are low-cost vent systems that can be installed in most high tunnels. These systems operate on the principle that heat is removed by a pressure difference created by wind gradients, so no energy is required to operate fans to move air. A wind speed of 2-3 miles per hour is adequate to force cool air in the windward sidewall. The air traveling over the high tunnel creates a vacuum on the leeward side to pull …
Energy Efficiency of Electric Motors on the Farm
The efficiency of a motor depends on how well it converts electrical power into work. Efficient electric motors have good starting and running performance, and provide a high level of reliability. An electric motor’s efficiency is numerically calculated as the ratio of the output power of the motor shaft over the electrical power required to turn the motor shaft and can be calculated using power values measured in wattage or horsepower.
Optimizing Electric Motor Efficiency
An electric motor’s rated efficiency …
Introduction to Energy Efficient Irrigation
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Irrigation is Nevada. Photo: US EPA and National Archive and Record Administration; Wikimedia Commons. |
Learn how efficient irrigation technologies and practices reduce water and power costs.
Table Of Contents
Energy Efficient Irrigation
Overhead or sprinkler irrigation is common in vegetable production; it can deliver a lot of water quickly to an entire field. Photo: Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension
Find these topics and many other related Farm Energy media resources
Combat Higher Fuel Prices with Efficient Heating Systems
Heating fuel prices have been volatile over the past few years. How high they may go in the future will depend on many factors including the world fuel supply situation, demand, level of inflation and the weather. Good energy conservation measures can help to offset this increase and keep production costs under control.
Keeping the greenhouse heating system in peak operating condition is a good starting point. It can save by increasing efficiency, providing more uniform temperature in the growing …
High Tunnels – Low Cost Seasonal Growing Space
At a cost of $1 to $2 per square foot, a high tunnel can add low-cost growing space for season extension or plant protection. High tunnels also do not rely on as much energy inputs as traditional greenhouses with furnaces and forced-air ventilation. Growers and researchers are finding many innovative ways to utilize these structures to supplement their greenhouse operations.
By definition, the high tunnel is a walk-in, hoop or gothic-shaped pipe frame structure that is covered with a single …
Shell Corn as a Fuel for Greenhouse Heat
Introduction
Corn has joined the list of popular alternatives to fossil fuels. Its high heat value, ease of handling, and ready availability in some sections of the United States have growers looking for information on cost, handling, and equipment suppliers. Although burning corn isn’t for everyone, a grower that is close to a good supply may find that it can reduce heating costs significantly.
Penn State Cooperative Extension has a Corn Energy Equivalent Table and an Energy Selector tool that …
Greenhouse Energy Conservation Checklist
High energy costs make conservation and efficient use of facilities an important part of today’s greenhouse operation. New greenhouse designs, better glazing, improved heating and ventilating equipment and new management systems should be included when upgrading or adding on. With typical annual energy usage being 75% for heating, 15% for electricity and 10% for vehicles, efforts and resources should be put where the greatest savings can be realized. The following checklist can help you make energy-saving improvements to a greenhouse …
Introduction to Farm Building Energy and Conservation
Tunnel Vent Barn with ridge vent. Photo by Dan Ciolkosz.
Agricultural buildings are very important to the successful operation of farms and ranches, and they deserve careful attention when it comes to managing energy expenses. The best time to incorporate energy efficiency that will yield the highest savings and the lowest operating costs is during the design and construction phase. Unfortunately, energy efficiency is often ignored when farm buildings are constructed. Energy efficient building design involves the selection of …
Energy in Soybean Agriculture
Introduction
Several studies have been done on energy life-cycle analysis of soybean biodiesel. These include:
- a 1994 paper published by the National Soydiesel Development Board (Ahmed et al.);
- a 1998 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Sheehan, et al., also called the NREL study);
- a 2005 paper by Pimentel and Patzek;
- a 2006 study by the Argonne National Laboratory (ANL – also called the GREET model); and
- a 2009 study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Pradhan et
Water Use and Sustainable Biofuel Production
Do you have enough water to start a biofuel feedstock crop? Learn how much water is required to grow and process biofuels.
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Biofuel crop research plots. Photo: Dennis Pennington, Bioenergy Educator, Michigan State University. |
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Water Use in Biofuels Production
- Water Use in Conversion/Processing of Biofuel
- Water Use in Crop Growth
- BIOEN Curriculum – Water Use in Bioenergy Production
Introduction to Water Use in Biofuels Production
In a world experiencing serious water shortages for meeting …