Renewable Energy Production on Farms

 Introduction

Along with energy conservation practices, farmers can generate their own energy to be more selfish by reducing external costs. Renewable energy not only helps farmers save, but is also resistant to the effects of global warming. Biomass can generate electricity for geothermal energy, hydroelectricity, solar and wind energy, heating, lighting, and agricultural fuel. This publication outlines and describes the appropriate applications of the above renewable energy options in rural areas and provides information on finding financial incentives to install and operate these systems.

With a small initial investment, free energy can be obtained from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. If you plan to use a renewable energy system on your site, check your local building codes before starting construction. Also, note that any renewable electricity system on a farm can be connected to the public grid using an inverter so that the farmer can be compensated for the electricity generated.

Biomass

According to the Association of Concerned Scientists, “using biomass for energy production three times as much in the United States could generate up to $ 20 billion in new revenue for farmers and rural communities and reduce emissions by the same amount. of global warming. " This is 70 million cars. Biomass refers to the plant and animal material used to produce energy. Biomass, such as sugar and vegetable oils, can be used to make fuel for vehicles (biofuels or biodiesel), and biomass that is burned to produce heat or electricity is called biodynamic.

Biofuels

It is a renewable energy alternative that can be converted from agricultural products to fuel-efficient vehicles. Part of the biofuel debate has to do with using valuable agricultural land to grow energy crops instead of food. To answer this debate, some farmers choose to plant oilseeds such as sunflower, rapeseed, or crab to produce dual-use feedstock and biodiesel. The cultivation of oilseeds for the production of agricultural fuel can earn even the by-product of flour after grinding the seeds to produce oil has a higher market value than the oil itself. Although small factories are expensive ($ 400 to $ 13,000), some farmers have found that working with other farmers can be effective. Some of the disadvantages of biodiesel are the poor performance of cold weather and sludge formation in long storage. Recycling used lard from local restaurants is also an option for farmers who use biofuel equipment.

Biopower

Is electricity generated by steam generated by burning biomass or by burning gas with biodegradable materials? Bionutrients trap and burn gases from microbial decomposition of biomass such as dirt. Although biofeedback technology has been relatively simple and has been used for many years, it is now designed to be used in safe and clean systems. Biomass crops such as grass, corn, or fast-growing trees can be pelleted and burned to heat buildings such as greenhouses or converted to electricity using steam. Some agricultural by-products, such as corn stoves, can be used to generate electricity without compromising soil quality or increasing erosion. Again, for farmers who want to burn pellets for heating, buying a regular pellet mill may be enough. Generating electricity for public use from biomass often requires large-scale utility systems where farmers can sell their biomass products. Transportation costs for small farms like Massachusetts (see Figure 1) will prevent large-scale electricity generation from biomass, but farm production is still possible.

Geothermal

Although many of us think of hot springs and natural hot springs as sources of geothermal energy, there is a much wider available source of geothermal energy, which is the constant temperature of the earth. Rural buildings and homes can use a geothermal heat pump to change air and soil temperatures throughout the year, keeping buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Although it is more expensive to purchase and install geothermal systems than a standard fossil fuel combustion plant, the payback period is 5-10 years, if there is free fuel. Due to the extensive excavation process, this is the most suitable geothermal system for new construction.

Hydroelectric

Installing a hydraulic system on a farm is highly dependent on a good water supply at a constant flow rate. These conditions and the energy needs of the farm are well documented, so the farmer can choose from several mechanisms: water wheels, propulsion turbines, or jet turbines. Although water wheels are less efficient than turbines and are more suitable for electric mills, they are relatively easy to use and can handle a wide range of water flows and debris. Turbines require a more controlled and continuous flow, as well as a larger difference in head or height between the water source and the turbine blades. As a rule, the larger the hydroelectric power plant, the cheaper the kilowatt-hour. Small hydropower plants are long-term investments and have a total lifespan of 20 to 25 years. design accordingly.

Solar

Solar energy can be used for passive heating of greenhouses, as solar thermal energy for hot water systems, or in conjunction with photovoltaic (PV) energy for power conversion. Photovoltaic cells may be more expensive, but advances in technology are making them a cheaper option. Photovoltaic energy can be used to power lights, electric fences, small motors, fans, water pumps, or battery chargers. In rural areas or on-farm sites far from power lines, photovoltaic systems may be the only option.

The passive solar design can be used to heat greenhouses. An economical option for small growers who want to extend their growing season. A passive solar greenhouse is highly insulated, uses natural ventilation, and has sloped glass panels to capture maximum solar heat depending on the latitude or location of the greenhouse. Solar boiler systems work similarly to passive solar energy systems that collect and store heat. On a dairy farm where up to 40% of the energy is used to heat water, a solar water heater can reduce heating costs by up to 85% per year. Like any basic home appliance, certified solar water heaters are the most reliable.

Wind

Wind turbines used to generate electricity from the wind can meet most of the farm’s standard electricity needs, but they must be located in areas with strong winds and typically require at least one acre of land. to generate enough electricity. Farmers or ranchers in an area with good wind speeds may consider their land to a wind power company, which allows them to use the land for their pets. For the rafter system to work, the homeowner must have an average annual wind speed of at least 10 km/h. Installing wind turbines is a long-term investment. A home wind turbine costs between $ 13,000 and $ 40,000. However, if local operating costs are high, the benefits of the wind turbine may be greater than the cost of installation if you choose a wind turbine that is suitable for the wind speed at your site and ultimately how to use and maintain your system.

Remember that in temperate climates, a wind turbine can be a great addition to a photovoltaic system. Wind power is available when solar power is not available.