04-08-2012, 03:54 PM
ENERGY CONSERVATION IN AGGRICULTURE SECTOR
ENERGY CONSERVATION IN AGGRICULTURE SECTOR.doc (Size: 25.5 KB / Downloads: 32)
Reduce energy use for irrigation
Irrigating crops often requires considerable amounts of electricity or diesel fuel. Reducing energy consumption for irrigation while providing the desired service may be accomplished through use of more efficient pump sets and water-frugal farming methods.
To improve the efficiency of irrigation pump sets, a number of technical measures are available. These include:
1. Use foot valves that have low-flow resistance.
2. Replace undersized pipes and reduce number of elbows and other fittings that cause frictional losses.
3. Use high-efficiency pumps.
4. Select pumps better matched to the required lift characteristics.
5. Use rigid PVC pipes for suction and delivery.
6. Select prime mover for the pump (i.e., electric motor or diesel engine) matched to the load.
7. Select an efficient diesel engine or motor for the application.
8. Schedule and perform recommended maintenance of the pump and the prime mover.
9. Ensure efficient transmission of mechanical power from the prime mover to the pump.
Increase the efficiency of non-pumping farm machinery
Energy use for traction for cultivation, sowing, weeding, harvesting, and other operations can be reduced through use of more efficient equipment or by minimizing the need for traction through low-tillage agriculture.
Switch to lower-carbon energy sources.
Options in this category include wind- and photovoltaic-powered pumps, enhanced solar drying, and use of bio fuels instead of fossil fuels in various applications where heat is required.
Reduce input of chemical fertilizers.
The two basic ways of reducing the input of chemical fertilizers are to target fertilizer application better and to substitute organic or microbial fertilizers for chemical fertilizers.
Improve efficiency of post-harvest drying and storage.
Various agricultural products are subjected to drying or cold storage before they are sent to market. The efficiency of these processes can generally be improved through use of better equipment and proper maintenance.