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Agricultural Energy Audits Michael Hagan 2/9/12 Updated 6/25/14 Slide 2 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - USDA For energy efficiency and renewable energy Provides 25% of initial project cost Remaining cost eligible for government loan Applicants compete within the state and nationally for funding On-Farm Energy Efficiency and Production GOAP 50% funding up to $10,000 maximum Applicants compete within the state Cost share programs Slide 3 UK Audit Services In order to submit a REAP and/or GOAP application, an energy audit must be performed on the facility The Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department received a grant from the USDA Rural Development to pay for 75% of the cost of the audit, with the owner paying the remaining 25% The fee for UK to perform an audit and technical report is: $150 for GOAP $250 for REAP or both Slide 4 UK Facility Audit Capabilities Agricultural Shops Biomass Thermal Systems Dairy Facilities Grain Drying Systems Greenhouses Poultry Houses Renewable Energy Studies Small Businesses Solar Swine Facilities Slide 5 Past Project History Over 100 audits have been completed by the UK team Typical savings between 20 40% Average $/yr savings from improvements: $9,350 Slide 6 Poultry House audits No two farms are alike! Typical efficiency improvements: Insulation added to ceiling or replacing wall Sidewall curtain closure Tunnel doors Energy efficient lighting Attic Air inlets Stirring fans Box heater replacement with radiant heaters Ventilation/heating controllers Energy efficient fans Slide 7 Slide 8 Slide 9 Past Projects Example Poultry Housing tunnel door air inlets, ceiling insulation, air mixing fans, new radiant brooders $9,585 per year savings 6.5 year payback Slide 10 Grain Dryer Audits Every farms drying situation is unique Important inputs Initial & final moisture Total bushels dried Amount of gas used Dryer Btu/lb water efficiency Drier cost Slide 11 Past Projects Example Grain Dryer Replacement of old dryer with new energy efficient model $4,993 per year savings 18.9 year payback Slide 12 Solar Photovoltaic KY has good solar photovoltaic potential Feasibility is still poor due to low electricity rates -- Payback is still very long (~20yrs) Programs such as TVA Generation Partners and grants/tax credits can reduce payback to ~7 years Slide 13 How to Get Started Contact UK auditor The auditor will collect initial operation information and determine whether to proceed or not. Depending on the facility, the auditor may schedule a site visit or collect information over the phone Slide 14 Information the Energy Auditor will Need 12 to 24 month history of gas records (LP or natural gas) and electric use Must contain quantity of energy used (gallons, ccf, kWh) and the cost A monthly or by delivery record is preferred Current operation production details: Harvest and grain drying records, bird production, daily milk production, etc. Detailed cost estimate for each improvement included in the application Hired labor included Slide 15 Auditor Contacts Michael A. Hagan, P.E., C.E.M. Engineer Associate University of Kentucky 4800A New Hartford Road Owensboro, Kentucky 42303 Voice: (270) 685-8480, Ext. 231 Email: michael.hagan@uky.edumichael.hagan@uky.edu Samuel G. McNeill, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Extension Professor & Extension Specialist University of Kentucky Research and Education Center Princeton, Kentucky Voice: (270) 365-7541, Ext. 213 Email: sam.mcneill@uky.edusam.mcneill@uky.edu Douglas G. Overhults, Ph.D., P.E. Extension Professor & Extension Specialist University of Kentucky Research and Education Center Princeton, Kentucky Voice: (270) 365-7541, Ext. 211 Email: doug.overhults@uky.edudoug.overhults@uky.edu Michael D. Montross, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Professor University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky Voice: (859) 257-3000, Ext. 106 Email: michael.montross@uky.edu michael.montross@uky.edu