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Office: 937-383-0001
Fax: 937-383-0003
Hours:
7:30 - 4:30 (EST) |
Email us at:
info@rerc.org |
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| The electric end-uses on farms are unique; therefore it takes a special
understanding of farm processes and equipment to see where energy can be saved. This course
offers an in-depth overview of the many electric applications in agriculture, including grain drying |
| and motor use, lighting upgrades, ventilation fan efficiency in animal buildings, water
heating, and all major dairy farm loads. Participants increase their understanding of the
electricity consumed by each end-use, and learn ways to identify the best candidates for
energy improvements. |
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| Examples are provided of load studies on specific farms, and common
seasonal demand peaks. Emphasis is placed on the type of agricultural most common in the
local geographic reagion. |
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Course expectations & teaching method |
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Group input on areas of specific need |
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About your instructors |
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Electricity consumption data for U.S. agriculture |
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Major electric end-uses (lighting, ventilation, water heating, crop drying, irrigation, refrigeration) |
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Energy use issues & equipment commonly found on poultry, swine and dairy farms |
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Typical producer questions -- rates, demand charges, 3-phase, standby generators & interruptible rates |
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Seasonal load patterns & peak use periods |
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Fundamentals of light levels & measurement |
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Light as a production tool for animal agriculture |
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Where to look for energy waste |
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Dry location & wet location lighting upgrades |
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Available ag lighting products & samples |
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Understanding fan and ventilation fundamentals |
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Types of ventilation systems; tunnel ventilation in animal buildings |
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Typical kWh consumption; dollar savings from changing to efficient fans |
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Spotting inefficiencies & making improvements |
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Major electrical end-uses & kWh use |
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Refrigeration loads & vacuum pumps |
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Equipment & procedural changes |
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How heat reclaimers reduce energy costs |
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Bulk tank refrigeration units |
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* These 2 sections can be
shortened to fit local needs |
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Types of grain drying systems (high-speed, bin drying setups, etc.) |
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Seasonal peak use & typical kWh totals |
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It’s mainly about motors and materials handling |
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Energy savings potential |
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Focusing on main areas of improvement |
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Collecting data on an example farm vs. all farms |
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Needed contacts with equipment suppliers |
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