1. Balancing the Technology and Economics of Farm Energy Needs
Connecticut Farm Energy Conference
Legislative Office Building
Hartford, Connecticut
November 5, 2013
Richard A. Peterson NATC

2. A General Look at Energy use in Agriculture
Agriculture is Energy Dependent
Primary Energy Drivers
Electricity
Diesel Fuel/Gasoline/Biofuels
Fuel Oil/Natural Gas/Propane
Solar/Wind/Methane/Biomass/Other Renewables
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3. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Uses of Energy on Farms
Soil preparation
Planting
Crop Care
Commodity Harvest
Materials Handling/On Farm Processing
Environmental Control/Livestock Comfort
Storage Systems
Lighting
Heating
Transportation
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4. Current Farm Energy Consumption
Direct energy – diesel, gasoline, LP gas, natural gas, and electricity
Indirect energy – fertilizers and pesticides
Source: Prof. John Miranowski, Iowa State University
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5. Breakdown of Farm Energy Use Across the US
Source: Prof. John Miranowski, Iowa State University
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6. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Source: Prof. John Miranowski, Iowa State University
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7. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Source: Prof John Miranowski, Iowa State University
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8. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Source: Prof John Miranowski, Iowa State University
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9. Is Farm Energy Use Increasing?
Agricultural production is growing at an average rate of 2% per year
However, Energy inputs have remained relatively flat over the last 30 years
Farm operators have increased energy efficiency
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10. A quick look at Connecticut agriculture
Farm numbers have increased by 733 farms or 17.5% between 2002 and 2007.
Farm acreage has increased 13.6% in that same 5 year period
However, the average acreage per farm is down slightly
The total value of farm commodities has increased 17.2% between 2002 and 2007
Source: Census of Agriculture
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11. Richard A. Peterson NATC
The Top 9 of 25 Connecticut Ag Commodities Represent more than 76% of total commodity value
Greenhouse/Nursery %
Dairy %
Chicken (eggs) %
Aquaculture (clams & oysters) 3.2%
Sweet Corn %
Cattle and calves %
Apples %
Tobacco %
Hay %
76.2%
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12. Richard A. Peterson NATC
How can Connecticut Farm Operators Assess and Improve Energy Efficiency?
Get an energy audit (conducted by agricultural professionals)
Prioritize energy efficiency improvement opportunities and set goals for implementation
Richard A. Peterson NATC

13. Why Conduct and Energy Audit?
Energy audits provide a decision making tool to help farm operators assess appropriate energy conservation measures
Energy audits provide a clear picture of a farm’s energy use and the pattern of usage by day and by season
Audits are sometimes required as part of energy related grant applications, such as the USDA REAP grant program.
Richard A. Peterson NATC

14. Thinking About a Renewable Energy System?
An energy audit will provide valuable information about energy use patterns on your farm.
This information is very important as you assess the economics of a renewable energy system.
Richard A. Peterson NATC

15. What are Energy Utilization Indices?
Energy Utilization Indices (EUIs) refer to the amount of energy used to accomplish a certain activity or process.
EUIs for farms are stated in various ways:
kWh/unit of production (cwt of milk, bu. of grain)
kWh/animal unit (cow, feeder pig, 100 chickens)
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16. What Are Energy Conservation Measures?
Energy Conservation Measures refer to equipment or operational measures that will increase efficiency and save energy
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17. The Value of Knowing EUIs
Determining farm EUIs provides benchmarking data related to similar farms in the same region
Having valid EUI data helps farm operators prioritize energy efficiency upgrades
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18. How Dairy Farms Use Energy
Information Gathered in an Energy Audit
Northeast Agriculture Technology Corp.
Ithaca, NY
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19. Major Energy use Functions on a Dairy Farm
Milk Harvest*
Milk Cooling*
Lighting*
Air Circulation* and Ventilation
Washing and Water Heating*
Manure Handling
Water Pumping
Feed Handling
Compressed Air
*Indicates uses where significant
energy savings is possible
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20. WHERE IS ELECTRICITY USED ON DAIRY FARMS?
Summary of electric energy use on a typical dairy farm
Source: NATC, Ithaca, NY
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21. Freestall vs. Tie Stall Operations
Freestall operations
Tie stall operations
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22. Renewable Energy Systems
Farms make a good fit
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23. Key Issues of On-Farm Biogas Generation
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24. Anaerobic Digesters are common worldwide
There are 6 to 8 million low technology farm-based digesters used to provide biogas for cooking and lighting
The worldwide trend is toward larger, more sophisticated systems with advanced process control.
The European Union countries are most advanced in anaerobic digester applications
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25. Farm Biogas Plants In The European Union
Source: AD NETT, European Anaerobic Digester Network
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26. Large Scale Agricultural AD in Germany
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27. Anaerobic Digesters in the US
The first farm based digester was built at McCabe Farms in 1972
McCabe farms is a hog farm bordering the Town of Mt Pleasant, IA
Odor control was the driving reason for building the digester
Vertical plug flow/natural gas used to heat
Still operational – all biogas is flared
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28. Dairy Anaerobic Digesters Elsewhere in the US
Anaerobic digester interest among US dairymen grew during the energy crisis of the 1970s.
Numerous digesters were built , but most failed because of high operating costs, and inadequate technology.
There is a great resurgence of interest and activity in many dairy states
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29. Why Greater Interest in Manure Digesters?
1. Need for controlling odor & managing waste (larger farms)
2. Higher prices for energy
3. Government (USDA) grants & loans
4. Media articles on farms producing green power
5. Increased cost for fertilizer (manure used as a substitute)
6. Firms looking to invest in biogas facilities & sell power
7. Carbon/renewable energy credits
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30. Dealing With Volumes of Waste
1,200 lb. cow produces her own weight in manure every 25 days*
150 lb. finishing pig produces its own weight in manure every 15 days*
* 98 lbs of manure produced per day
* 9.8 lbs of manure produced per day.
A herd of 500 cows produces 49,000 lbs. of manure per day
A herd of 500 finishing pigs produces 4,900 lbs. of manure per day
Richard A. Peterson NATC

31. Components of a Biogas System
Digester:
Consists of a closed chamber or lagoon
Anaerobic microbes (absence of oxygen)
To work correctly, it must be managed. Consistent input, keep within acid/base tolerances, etc.
Richard A. Peterson NATC

32. Components of a Biogas System
Solids Separator:
Squeezes out liquid to create a dry bedding for cows.
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33. Components of a Biogas System
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34. Biogas Production System
Consider the additional expense, number of moving parts, maintenance and management needed to turn gas into electricity.
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35. Economics – Two New York Dairies
Sunny Knoll Dairy in New York
(1,400 cows)
Digester:
Site Work
Engineering Design
Concrete Digester
Miscellaneous
$40,000
105,000
350,000
27,000
Energy Conversion:
Engine-Generator
Elec., Controls, Plumb.
Biomass Use Bldg.
$350,000
145,000
30,000
Family Labor
$7,500
2005 Constr. Cost
$1,084,500
Patterson Dairy in New York
(1,000 cows)
Digester:
Site Work
Engineering Design
Concrete Digester
Miscellaneous
$62,723
99,532
495,930
31,893
Energy Conversion:
Engine-Generator
Elec., Controls, Plumb.
Biomass Use Bldg.
$200,000
317,476
51,601
Family Labor
$68,553
Solid-liquid separation
Building
Separator
127,775
53,147
2004 & 05 Constr. Cost
$1,508,630
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36. More Farm Renewable Energy Opportunities
Solar and Wind
Biomass Production
Biofuels
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37. Gary Menard Dairy Farm Mooers, NY
A 12.6 kW
Solar Photovoltaic System
With Zomeworks® Trackers
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38. Cost Details Menard Solar System
Total Cost (with tracker) $124,647
NYSERDA Incentive $ 50,400
USDA Grant $ 31,161
Menard Cost $ 43,086
Cost/kWh (34 months) $ 0.41/kWh
Note: Solar tracking system can increase annual output by up to 40%.
Richard A. Peterson NATC

39. Richard A. Peterson NATC
A 5.5 kW solar system with NOVAR® Tracker
Currently producing 50% more than a similar system with a fixed array.
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40. Lifetime Output and Economics
Shows lifetime output
since May 
2009
2006
2007
2008
10 kW
Consistently generates approx. 7,000 kWh per year
Value: 7,000 kWh x $.09/kWh = $630 per year
Simple payback:
Installed cost = $50,000
With 30% tax credit, drops to $35,000
Yearly output = $630 worth of energy
Takes 55.5 years to pay off 
Lessons Learned:
 Inverter destroyed by lightning
 Output slightly less than ratings
 Cost of elec. generated = 74 cents/kWh
Richard A. Peterson NATC

41. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Summary
Farms are energy intensive
Energy Conservation and Efficiency Improvements are a logical first step in a long range energy management plan
Renewable energy systems are compatible with farm operations
Few renewable energy systems are economically feasible without incentives
Richard A. Peterson NATC

42. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Summary
Renewable energy systems on farms should be considered only after all practical energy efficiency upgrades and energy conservation measures have been adopted
Reducing farm load on rural electric distribution systems is beneficial to utilities and customers alike
Renewable energy systems producing electricity on farms can reduce stress on rural distribution lines
The economics of renewable energy systems will improve over time.
Richard A. Peterson NATC

43. Richard A. Peterson NATC
Thank you for your time.
Richard A. Peterson NATC