Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Triangular Duct Solar Panel, Blaine F. Parker

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A solar panel suitable for panelized building construction as an integral part of a roof is described. The solar absorber plate of the panel consists of a thermally conductive sheet folded along a plurality of parallel lines to form sharp vees or corrugations. The folded solar absorber plate is attached to or formed as part of a flat sheet, also with high thermal conductivity. The folded absorber plate with its vee-shaped corrugations in combination with the flat sheet form a plurality of contiguous triangular ducts through which the fluid to be heated flows. The fluid is in direct contact with …

Installation & Operation Of Wood Heating Systems: Part Three In A Series On Wood As A Fuel Source, Larry W. Turner, Kathy Collier

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

The installation and operation of wood heating units are both very important factors in the safe, efficient use of wood as a heating fuel. There are several considerations which should be taken into account when wood is used, that are not involved in common oil, gas, or electric systems. These include obtaining the wood; loading, starting and tending the fire; removing ashes; and inspection and cleaning of the chimney. Placement of the unit is also important in the distribution of heat and safe operation. The following guidelines should be helpful in planning, installing, and operating your wood heating system.

Obtaining, Seasoning & Burning Wood: Part One In A Series On Wood As A Fuel Source, Kathy Collier, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

Heating with wood has become increasingly popular in Kentucky because firewood is a renewable energy source which, when used properly, is relatively clean, efficient and safe. A wood heating system can reduce fuel costs, supplement other heating sources and provide aesthetic appeal.

Stoves, Furnaces & Fireplaces: Part Two In A Series On Wood As A Fuel Source, Kathy Collier, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Energy Series

As the costs of all types of fossil fuels increase, more and more attention is being focused upon the role that wood may play in the heating of homes. Many people want to learn more about how to prepare firewood, how to choose and operate a wood heater, and the possible problems related to home heating with wood.

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.

Ground Driven Power Tillage Device, Daniel E. Hammett, Edward M. Smith

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A power tillage device is provided having a passive rolling coulter as the prime mover for a power tillage blade which is carried in the lead of the coulter on a transfer case mounted as a radius arm on the counter shaft. The tillage blade rotates in the opposite direction from the coulter and is designed for optimum efficiency for shearing and lifting soil from a furrow.

A Computer Model For Evaluating Corn Harvesting, Handling, Drying And Storage Systems, Thomas C. Bridges, Otto J. Loewer Jr., John N. Walker, Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Harvest Rate And Drying Time On Grain Drying And Storage Facility Selection, Thomas C. Bridges, Otto J. Loewer Jr., Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Strategy For Harvesting Burley Tobacco, Yasuhiko Miyake, Larry G. Wells, George A. Duncan, Jimmie Rankin

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The decision-making process associated with the scheduling of burley tobacco harvesting operations was formulated as a multi-stage decision process, and solved using a procedure called dynamic programming. The solution of a stochastic dynamic programming model provides a set of optimal decision rules, that is, a strategy. When certain user-specified parameters are provided, the decision model provides information concerning the optimal date to start harvesting, the optimal number of hours to harvest on each day, the optimal date to introduce hired labor, and the optimal number of workers which should be hired.

The solution of the dynamic programming model makes it …

Solar Energy For Heating Farm Structures In Kentucky, Richard S. Hiatt, Blaine F. Parker

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

This report is intended to summarize the important decisions which must be made by farmers in Kentucky, who are considering the utilization of solar energy for heating farm buildings or drying grain.

Design And Performance Of A Solar Energy Intensifier System For Drying Shelled Corn, Kenneth J. Hellevang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since utilizing solar energy as an alternate energy source for agricultural applications is dependent on improvement in the design of solar systems and on documentation of the performance characteristics, reliability and economic feasibility of solar systems, research was conducted with the following objectives: 1. Design a multi-purpose solar energy system with a diurnally tracking solar energy intensifier and a thermal energy storage unit to warm the ventilation air for a swine confinement building and to dry corn. 2. Test the solar energy intensifier-collector system for corn drying under actual conditions. 3. Evaluate the performance and economic feasibility of a diurnally …

Design Of A Vertical Axis And Turbine-Variable Speed Heat Pump Alternate Energy System, John V. Karnitis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective if the project is to design an unguyed wind energy conversion system consisting of a Savonius rotor assisted non-articulating 5m (15 ft) diameter Darrius vertical axis wind turbine, which is self-starting, and is mechanically coupled by a V-belt drive to an automotive air conditioning variable speed compressor. The variable speed-compressor is utilized as a mover for a variable speed heat pump system. The basic objective is further subdivided into the following objectives:
1. To develop a preliminary design of the wind energy conversion system, which later cane be modified to the existing energy needs.
2. To predict …

Infiltration Of Liquid Dairy Manure Into Soil, William R. Detar

William R DeTar

BASIN infiltrometers and double-ring infiltrometers were used on the subsoil of four different soils to determine the infiltration rate of various concentrations of liquid dairy manure. Raw manure was diluted with water by ratios varying from 3:1 to 50:1. The liquid used for most of the tests did not contain the heavy fibers that tend to settle out immediately after mixing. Total solids, St, was the primary measure of concentration, and steady-state infiltration with water, Iw, was the indicator used for the type of soil. It was found that the infiltration rate was proportional to Iw^0.11st^-.67 at one week. All …

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 …

Performance And Evaluation Of Swine House Heating With A Solar Energy Intensifier-Thermal Energy Storage System, Albert J. Heber

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The urgency for energy independence in the United States is unprecedented in its history. The demand for energy is reflected in rising fuel costs which affects every segment of the economy. Among the most severely affected sectors is the agriculture industry, whose fossil fuel consumption is crucial to its efficient production of food and fiber. Solar, one of several alternative energy sources being developed nationwide has unique possibilities in the U.S. agriculture system. Large areas are available for locating collector units, and the energy requirements in the farm are low compared with the available radiation falling on the area. Drying …