Engineering Commons^™

Energy In Agriculture: Requirements For Farm Use Of Solar Energy In Kentucky, Richard S. Hiatt

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

There is increasing interest in utilizing solar energy to supplement heating and grain drying energy needs on the farm, Many Kentucky farmers realize that their demands for heat and the orientation of certain buildings on their farms suggest solar heating potential. But most farmers are not familiar with the requirements and limitations of solar heating.

This publication discusses those factors a farmer must consider when evaluating the solar potential of agricultural structures on the farm. Solar requirements are divided into two main areas: (1) site requirements associated with the building and its surroundings and (2) load requirements associated with the …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 11. Geothermal, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Geothermal energy or earth heat has the potential of becoming the foremost source of energy during the next few decades just as the fossil fuels have been for the past 75 years. This source is so great that it is limitless, unlike the fossil or nuclear fission fuels. Yet there are formidable problems in the application of geothermal energy for useful work.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 12. Alcohol, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Today we often hear discussed the potential energy content and ability of alcohol to lessen our dependence on gasoline as a motor fuel. The alcohol in question is ethyl alcohol, a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid that is derived from growing plants, or the parts of growing plants, that are relatively high in carbohydrate content.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 9. Wood, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Wood is a bio-fuel. This means that it comes from living things. Lawn grass, field crops and garden plants and flowers are all in the bio-family of living things. In fact, there is no difference between the wood of today and fossil fuels of aeons ago, such as coal and oil except time. Millions of years ago all fossil fuels were lush green plants, thriving on nutrients and moisture in the earth and the photosynthesis process. These have long since died but have been preserved beneath the surface of the earth. Actually, the wood of today and the fossil fuels …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 2. Definitions, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The words described in this publication are used in the other publications in this energy resource series without further defining.

In most cases the first sentence, paragraph or formula describes a word or term sufficiently to use it . The added explanation is an attempt to give the reader a firm foundation for using the word confidently in energy programs.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 10. Water, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Since early history, water has furnished man with energy. Man has always moved and settled along rivers and streams, because water makes travel easier. He soon learned to capture the movement of water in rivers, creeks and streams by inserting a wheel.

Water presents a great source of power. It has been estimated that if every available location for water power were developed, regardless of economic and environmental considerations, there would be between three and four times the power derived from all other sources. But this is impractical, because in many instances it would take more energy in materials and …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 8. Nuclear Fusion, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The subject of nuclear energy can be divided into two parts, fission and fusion. The purpose of this publication is to describe the process of nuclear fusion.

Fusion of atomic nuclei offers tremendous possibility of energy. Since all forecasts point toward a need for more energy in this country, this method of energy production can provide a significant share.

At the present time we do not know for certain that energy from the fusion process will be scientifically and economically successful. It is certain that much research will continue to take place; if fusion can be achieved, the promise of …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 6. Wind, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

There is a tremendous amount of energy at work in the atmosphere at all times in the form of wind. Man has recognized this for ages and has used it to a limited extent by constructing devices, such as windmills.

Today, the rapidly diminishing supply of fossil fuels has prompted us to take a new look at wind as a source of energy. This publication will study some of the ways engineers have devised to harness wind.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 7. Nuclear Fission, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Nuclear power is one of the leading sources in our search for energy. One source of nuclear power is nuclear fission, an energy-releasing process in which the nuclei of atoms are split. The energy produced is close kin to chemical energy. Similar basic laws, rules and reasoning apply.

Perhaps the best means of gaining an overall understanding of nuclear energy is to examine three of the known force fields in nature. Because of the importance of these basic concepts, this publication will concentrate on descriptions of these force fields and how they are harnessed for our use.

In addition, the …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 3. Oil And Gas, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The oil and gas in the earth today were formed many millions of years ago, long before humans appeared on the scene. Therefore, man can only theorize about the origin of these fossil fuels.

The most widely accepted theory is that the oil and gas found in the earth today had their beginnings in decomposed animals and plants. The decomposition was caused by bacteria and chemicals called enzymes which digested the plant and animal bodies.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 1. Energy Overview, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Since the development of the internal combustion engine and its rapid adoption as a power source, the people of the United States and several other developed countries have enjoyed the benefits of relatively cheap energy. This has had a direct bearing on the standard of living we have today.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 5. Solar, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Since 1973, when the public became aware that shortages of gasoline for automobiles could drastically affect their personal lives, there has been much interest in solar energy. Many articles have appeared in the popular press about the potential of solar energy, and the federal government has allocated large sums of money for research in this area of energy. Most science textbooks now contain a chapter or two on solar energy utilization. Most engineering colleges offer courses specifically related to energy, and many of these place emphasis on the solar aspect. There is little doubt that the public, in all sectors, …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy Resource Series For Youth And Adult Energy Programs: 4. Coal, George M. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Coal is very close kin to the other fossil fuels, oil and gas. If a chunk of coal is examined with a powerful magnifying glass you will notice a lot of red and gold color. The marks of plants can be plainly seen on many pieces. The imprint of plants and sometimes of animal skeletons indicates to skilled scientists how coal was formed.

Energy In Agriculture: The Use Of Ethanol As An Unmixed Fuel For Lnternal Combustion Engines, Joseph L. Taraba, George M. Turner, Robert Razor

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The use of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) as a fuel for spark ignited (Sl) internal combustion engines has been evaluated and considered satisfactory since the early1 900s. Today due to the increasing cost of petroleum and the current world oil uncertainty, which may greatly affect the future availability of petroleum, some alternative fuels for internal combustion engines are needed. Ethanol is one of the fuels that has shown promise as a petroleum substitute. Today the country of Brazil has chosen a path of less dependence on petroleum by developing an ethanol fuel technology. In the spring of 1980, cars designed to …

Energy In Agriculture: Energy For Greenhouses Part 1: Energy Conservation, George A. Duncan, John N. Walker, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The increased cost and scarcity of all fuels have affected the greenhouse owner as badly as any segment of industry. For some, crops have been damaged or lost. For others, it has reduced the margin of profit. Growers, manufacturers, suppliers, horticulturists, engineers and many others have studied the situation thoroughly in order to come up with viable solutions and alternatives for conserving fuel.

Energy Fact Sheet: Heat Pumps For Residential Heating And Cooling: Some Questions And Answers, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP?

A heat pump is an electrically-powered refrigeration cycle device which is capable of providing both heating and cooling to a residence. In the summer, it operates like an air conditioner by "moving" heat from inside the house to the outside. In the winter, the refrigerant flow is reversed, "moving" heat into the house by further chilling the already cold outside air and transferring the heat gained in the process to the inside.

Energy Fact Sheet: Design Considerations For Below-Grade Housing, University Of Kentucky College Of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Below-grade living is not new; prehistoric man instinctively sought out subterranean shelters for protection against his enemies and extreme environmental conditions. Historically, the designs of below-grade enclosures were determined by such factors as availability of building materials, climatic elements, defensive needs, ceremonial beliefs, and cultural concerns. Contemporary use of underground house components includes basements, cellars, and other similar spaces. In most cases, however, individuals occupying below-grade quarters have either had access to an above-grade structure or have considered such quarters as temporary. The notorious basement that is wet, cold, and without adequate lighting has given an undesirable image to below-grade …

Energy Fact Sheet: Residential Solar Heating, Blaine F. Parker, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Heating a residence and the domestic water supply with solar energy is technically feasible in Kentucky. However, it is not feasible to provide 100 percent of the heat requirements. Some backup system is needed for continuous heat during cloudy weather and the cold part of winter. Both passive and active solar heating systems are technically feasible.

Energy In Agriculture: Grassland Renovation--Conserves Oil And Energy And Increases Returns From Grass Fields, Edward M. Smith, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Fifty-four percent (1.2 billion acres) of land area in the 48 continental United States consists of grasslands, shrublands and open forests. For the most part, there is no alternative use of these land resources in production of food for man other than by way of ruminant animals. Sixty-nine percent (835 million acres) of these land resources is being utilized by grazing animals and forms the basis for a livestock industry which represents 43% of all agricultural receipts in the United States.

Energy In The Home: Energy Usage In Agricultural Production, John N. Walker

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Agriculture, even in its most primitive state, includes activities related to the collection and storage of solar energy in a form that can be used to sustain life. Energy must be expended in terms of human labor, animal labor, and fossil energy used for products and machinery utilized by agriculture. Because fossil energy is in short supply, many people are concerned, and rightfully so, about the effect that restricted energy availability will have upon agriculture production.

Energy In The Home: Grain Drying Performance Evaluation, Otto J. Loewer, Thomas C. Bridges, G. M. White, Robert L. Fehr

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

When grain is harvested in Kentucky at moisture contents exceeding 13 to 14 percent, it must be dried to insure long-term safe storage. The drier the stored grain, the longer it will retain its quality.

Energy In Agriculture: Performance Evaluation For Natural Air And Low-Temperature Drying Systems, Otto J. Loewer, Thomas C. Bridges, G. M. White, Robert L. Fehr, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Natural air and low-temperature drying systems are generally not recommended for Kentucky because of their slow drying rates. In such systems the grain near the top of the drying bin may remain undried for an extended period of time, possibly leading to grain spoilage and/or the production of aflatoxin.

Energy In Agriculture: Dryeration Performance Evaluation, Otto J. Loewer, Thomas C. Bridges, G. M. White, Robert L. Fehr, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

When grain is dried using continuous flow or portable batch dryers it must be cooled before it is placed in storage. The cooling process removes the sensible heat that was used to bring the grain temperature up to the drying air temperature, and hopefully reduces the grain temperature to a point where mold growth is no longer a problem. Unfortunately, rapid cooling of grain results in increased grain damage in terms of stress cracks, and is an energy-inefficient process in that the heat stored in the grain is not used for any useful purpose.

Energy Fact Sheet: Air-Type Solar Collectors For Agricultural And Residential Use, Blaine F. Parker

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

This publication provides information on three basic air-type solar collectors for the purpose of explaining the characteristics of each. The collectors may be purchased assembled or constructed on the site. In either case an efficient collector of the right type should be selected for a given application.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy For Swine Facilities Part I: Energy Conservation, Robert L. Fehr

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Recently, there has been some concern about energy utilization in agricultural production. Shortages of natural and LP gas have affected many livestock producers, especially swine producers utilizing LP gas as a supplemental heat source in farrowing facilities. These shortages, coupled with an ever*increasing price for fuel and electricity, have encouraged many producers to begin looking for ways to reduce energy consumption.

Energy In Agriculture: Energy For Swine Facilities Part Ii: Alternative Sources Of Energy, Robert L. Fehr

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Recently, there has been some concern about energy utilization in agricultural production. Shortages of natural and LP gas have affected many livestock producers, especially swine producers utilizing LP gas as a supplemental heat source in farrowing facilities. These shortages, coupled with an ever-increasing price for fuel and electricity, have encouraged many producers to begin looking for alternative energy sources.

Energy In Agriculture: Fan Performance On Grain Drying Bins, Otto J. Loewer, Thomas C. Bridges, G. M. White, Robert L. Fehr, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

One of the keys to successful in·bin grain drying and aeration is the matching of a drying or aeration fan to the drying or storage bin. A properly designed system will be more efficient in terms of both drying and energy utilization. The quantity of air that may be delivered through the grain depends upon grain type, bin size, fan type, fan horsepower, depth of grain, percent of foreign material and the extent to which the grain is packed.