Agricultural Energy Audits

1. Agricultural Energy Audits Michael Hagan 2/9/12 Updated 6/25/14

2. Cost share programs • 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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Grain Dryer Audits • Every farm’s drying situation is unique • Important inputs • Initial & final moisture • Total bushels dried • Amount of gas used • Dryer Btu/lb water efficiency • Drier cost

11. Past Projects Example • Grain Dryer  Replacement of old dryer with new energy efficient model • $4,993 per year savings • 18.9 year payback

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

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

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

15. Auditor Contacts Douglas G. Overhults, Ph.D., P.E. Extension Professor & Extension Specialist University of Kentucky Research and Education CenterPrinceton, KentuckyVoice: (270) 365-7541, Ext. 211Email: doug.overhults@uky.edu Michael D. Montross, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Professor University of KentuckyLexington, KentuckyVoice: (859) 257-3000, Ext. 106Email: michael.montross@uky.edu Michael A. Hagan, P.E., C.E.M. Engineer AssociateUniversity of Kentucky4800A New Hartford RoadOwensboro, Kentucky 42303Voice: (270) 685-8480, Ext. 231Email: michael.hagan@uky.edu Samuel G. McNeill, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Extension Professor & Extension Specialist University of Kentucky Research and Education CenterPrinceton, KentuckyVoice: (270) 365-7541, Ext. 213Email: sam.mcneill@uky.edu