Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Residential Solar Heating In Kentucky, Richard S. Hiatt

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

No abstract provided.

Safety Precautions With Liquid Manure Storage Systems: Warning--Manure Gases Can Be Dangerous, Larry R. Piercy, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

A liquid manure system produces 4 gases which are potentially hazardous to workers and animals. The decomposing manure slowly releases these gases into the liquid and the surrounding atmosphere. During agitation of the manure large quantities of gas are released into the air. Tragic human deaths and animal losses have occurred during agitation or from humans entering the pit areas.

Temperature And Humidity Prediction In A Burley Curing Facility, Thomas C. Bridges, Linus R. Walton, Larry G. Wells, I. J. Ross

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Simulation Of Burley Tobacco Harvesting-Housing Systems, Ronald L. Bingner, Larry G. Wells, Thomas C. Bridges, George A. Duncan

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A computer model has been developed using systems analysis techniques to simulate the labor and equipment aspects of harvesting burley tobacco. By varying the parameters of the model the user can determine a harvesting and housing strategy based on labor and equipment availability.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 …

A Simulation Model For Assessing Alternate Strategies For Beef Production With Land, Energy And Economic Constraints, Otto J. Loewer, E. M. Smith, G. Benock, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells, Nelson Gay, S. Burgess, L. Springate, David L. Debertin

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A computer model has been developed to analyze alternate management strategies and energy and economic constraints. Daily production of beef animals and growing crops is simulated in response to prevailing conditions and system interactions using the GASP IV simulation language. Complete inventories of plant dry matter, animal status, production resources and economic net worth are maintained over the simulation period.

New Animal-Waste Structure Permit Procedures, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Over the past two years, there have been several changes in the Power & Machinery requirements of, and in the procedures for, obtaining permits for animal-waste holding structures. The Division of Water (DOW) in the Department for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNREP), which administers the Kentucky Water Pollution Law (KRS 224), has determined that the statutes require them to review and to approve all agricultural animal-waste-holding facilities constructed in Kentucky (KRS 224.033(19)). Because of their review, they have simplified the procedures and brought the requirements for waste disposal systems into agreement with the state law. At the present time, …

Active Residential Solar Heating, Blaine F. Parker, Richard Hiatt, Sandy Holland

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

This outline on active solar heating has been prepared for extension agent use in Kentucky. It includes some judgments by the authors based on their best professional opinion and the current state of knowledge concerning active solar heat systems.

Regulation Of Hazardous Waste Disposal On Agricultural Land, Joseph L. Taraba

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Division of Waste Management (DWM) of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DNP & EP) has the responsibility of regulating the hazardous waste program. A policy statement from the DWM was issued on June 9, 1981, concerning wastes generated from agricultural operations, i.e., farming. In summary, the statutory definition of a hazardous waste does not apply to animal manures and crop residues that are returned to the soil as a fertilizer or as a soil conditioner. Further, it states a hazardous waste shall not apply to pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers or their …

Ground Driven Powered Tillage, Larry G. Wells, E. M. Smith, D. E. Hammett, H. J. Thompson Jr.

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A ground driven powered tillage device is described which utilizes a passive rolling coulter propelled through the soil by a prime mover. The reaction torque imparted by the soil to the coulter is delivered via a torque transfer unit to a powered tillage blade. The tillage blade rotates counter to the direction of the passive rolling coulter and prepares a tilled furrow of some predetermined depth for seed placement and coverage.

Analysis is presented in which the torque developed by a passive rolling coulter engaging the soil is predicted. A relationship is presented for determining the velocity ratio between the …

Analysis And Testing Of Powered Tillage Blades, Larry G. Wells, E. M. Smith, D. E. Hammett

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Fundamental design considerations for powered rotary tillage blades are presented and discussed. The relationship between blade angular velocity and the geometric dimensions of cutting edges is specified for tillage blades rotating counter to the direction of travel and assuming a typical forward speed for tillage.

Analyses showed that a powered blade rotated opposite to the direction of travel can be operated at relatively lower angular velocities than can one rotated in the direction of travel to achieve equivalent blade velocity and acceleration relative to the soil. Furthermore, a blade rotated opposite to the direction of travel requires relatively lower power …

Dynamic Simulation Of Animal Growth And Reproduction, Otto J. Loewer Jr., Edward M. Smith, Gerald Benock, Nelson Gay, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

A rather unique systems analysis approach has been made to simulate the utilization of dry matter by ruminant animals, and the natural breeding and reproduction process within a herd. Physiological factors occurring over time and the time related effects of these factors are simulated.

Wind Drag On Burley Tobacco Plants, James H. Casada, Linus R. Walton, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Drag coefficient and center of resistance to wind forces were determined for four varieties of burley tobacco at three stages of growth and using wind velocities ranging from about 3 to 17 m/s. Drag coefficients determined ranged from about 0.024 at the highest velocity to about 0.081 at the lowest velocity. Stage of growth and wind velocity had significant effects on drag coefficient. Variety did not have a significant effect on drag coefficient. Mean center of resistance varied from 42.3 percent of the distance from bottom leaf to top leaf at the early stage of growth to 71.2 percent at …

Limiting Swine Stress With Evaporative Cooling In Kentucky, Robert L. Fehr, K. T. Priddy, Samuel G. Mcneill, Douglas G. Overhults

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

During the summer, temperatures in swine buildings often rise to levels that adversely affect animal performance and the profitability of these operations. Heat stress reduces reproductive efficiency in the breeding herd, affecting both the boar and sow. During extended hot weather periods, death of farrowing sows may result.

Performance Of An Evaporative Cooling System In A Gestation House, Samuel G. Mcneill, Robert L. Fehr, J. N. Walker, G. R. Parker

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

This field study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of an evaporative pad cooler for modifying the environment in a gestation house in Kentucky and to compare the measured results with the calculated performance of evaporative cooling systems. The building used in the study was a 68-crate gestation house, as described in Figure 1. The building was oriented east-west and was well insulated. There were no windows in the facility. It was fully occupied, throughout the study, with sows with an average weight of 350 lbs. A negative pressure system was used to ventilate the building with a 36" single-speed …

Measurement Of Tractor Wheel Slip To Determine Proper Amount Of Weight Needed, Richard S. Hiatt

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

No abstract provided.

Passive Solar Heating, Blaine Parker, Richard Hiatt, Sandy Holland

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

There are 4 basic passive solar construction techniques.

The Influence Of Harvesting Strategies And Economic Constraints On The Feasibility Of Farm Grain Drying And Storage Facilities, Otto J. Loewer Jr., Thomas C. Bridges, G. M. White, Douglas G. Overhults

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The economic return to on-the-farm grain drying and storage facilities is influenced by many factors including harvesting strategies, facility management, market conditions, energy considerations, and facility design. This study evaluates the influence of these factors on expected net return.