Energy Efficient Dairy Production Technologies

Mission: We connect individuals and their communities to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects

CERTs: Minnesotans Building a Clean Energy Future

Energy Efficient Dairy Production Technologies

Milk Harvesting

Milk Cooling

Cow Comfort

VFD on Vacuum Pump

Able to ramp the motor speed up and down to match the actual vacuum level needed

Usually replace a single-phase motor with a three-phase motor

You can de-rate a VFD for single-phase motor

Approx Cost: $7,000

Payback ranges: 6 to 26 yrs

VFD on Vacuum Pump

VFD on Milk Pump

Able to ramp motor speed up and down to match vacuum level

Used in combination with a plate cooler for additional milk cooling

Approx Cost: $3,600

Payback: 3.6 to 11

VFD on Milk Pump

Plate Cooler (Pre-Cooler)

9 Uses cold well water to pre-cool the milk before entering refrigeration system

Reduces heat refrig system has to remove

Approx Cost: $3,600

Payback: 5-6 years

Plate Cooler (Pre-Cooler)

Scroll Compressors

Newer type of compressor. 15-20% more efficient

Fewer moving parts

Digital or variable lobe reciprocating

Approx Cost: $3,200

Payback: 8-9 years

Scroll Compressors

Refrigeration Heat Recovery for Water Heating

Used to capture waste heat from refrigerant

Increases life of water heater

Increases compressor efficiency

Approx Cost: $3,100

Payback: 9.6 years

Refrigeration Heat Recovery for Water Heating

High Volume Low Speed Fans

BIG fans with VFD and temp sensors

Down draft to keep cows cool

Approx Cost: $5,000 installed.

Payback: Varies

High Volume Low Speed Fans

Efficient fans with VFD and temp sensors

Maintenance

Approx Cost: $3,500

Payback: Depends!

Circulation Fans with VFDs

Better insulation prevents freezing and avoids heating

Must be properly installed – out of wind, 12” heat tube above frost line…

Approx Cost: $1,300

Payback: 2-5 yrs depending on condition of old waterers.

Low/No-Energy Waterers

Replacement of metal halides, incandescent or high pressure sodium lamps for T-8s, CFLs, or LEDs

Approx Cost: Varies $1500-$2500

Payback: 2.2

Energy Efficient Lighting