Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Economic Comparison Of Alternative Burley Tobacco Harvesting Practices By Computer, Thomas C. Bridges, Larry G. Wells, George A. Duncan, John N. Walker

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The computer model CATCH (Computer Analysis of Tobacco Cutting and Housing) was developed to provide the individual tobacco producer with management information concerning alternative methods of harvesting burley tobacco. CATCH utilizes specific producer in-puts to analyze 24 alternative burley production systems and presents up to four economic rankings containing costs, equipment and labor for each system. The economic rankings aid the producer in decision making with regard to his own operation.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Large Cylindrical Bale Transporter, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

The present application is directed to a transporter for transporting large cylindrical bales which includes a mast assembly adapted to be directly attached to a standard three-point hitch of a tractor. The transporter unit includes a two-wheel type trailer and a bale engaging assembly which is rotatably mounted upon the axle of the wheel assembly so that a load positioned on the bale engaging means may be rotated upwardly to support the load directly on the wheels of the transporter. By pivotally attaching the transporter to the mast assembly, the present invention may readily support the entire transporter above the …

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 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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.

The Response Of Various Soil Strength Indices To Changing Water Content And Bulk Density, Larry G. Wells, O. Treesuwan

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Various soil strength parameters were measured in the laboratory using a bevameter and a recording soil cone penetrometer. Measurements were made at various levels of soil bulk density and water content. Results were discussed in terms of similar published analyses. Two dissimilar methods of predicting vehicular tractive performance were compared and evaluated in terms of potential utility with respect to prediction of soil trafficability.

Predicted And Measured Drainable Porosities For Field Soils, R. W. Skaggs, Larry G. Wells, S. R. Ghate

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Experiments were conducted on large field cores to determine the relationship between drainage volume and water table depth for five soils. The measured drainage volumes were less than predicted from the soil water characteristics for three soils, but were in good agreement for the other two. Drainable porosities were calculated from both theoretical and experimental drainage volume-water table depth relationships by assuming that the unsaturated zone is essentially 'drained to equilibrium, with the water table. The experimental drainable porosities thus obtained were less than predicted.

Drainable porosities for drainage in two-dimensions were calculated from experimental results for one-dimension by assuming …

Solar Fluid Heater With Electromagnetic Radiation Trap, Blaine Frank Parker

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A solar fluid heater including a radiation trap for concentrating solar radiation which has been focused on or near a line at the center of a transparent pipe assembly containing the fluid to be heated is described. The pipe assembly may include one or more transparent pipes containing one or more sets of reflective fins which are disposed in direct heat exchanging contact with the fluid to be heated. The focused radiation entering the pipe assembly experiences multiple reflections off one set of reflective fins therein, thus concentrating the solar radiation. The reflective fins are made absorptive near the apex …

Vertical Drainage In Field Cores, Larry G. Wells, R. W. Skaggs

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Modeling Soil Water Movement Into Plant Roots, D. C. Slack, C. T. Haan, Larry G. Wells

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Mathematical model was developed which describes uptake of water by plant roots as a function of leaf and soil water potentials. The model was used to estimate transpiration from corn grown in a controlled environment under soil drying conditions. The model predicted daily transpiration quite well for the period modeled.

Renovating Grass Fields With A Renovation Seeder, Edward M. Smith, Robert L. Fehr, Garry D. Lacefield, J. Kenneth Evans

Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications

Putting legumes into grass dominant pasture and hay fields through renovation is certainly not a new idea in Kentucky. Renovation has been an important forage improvement practice for the past twenty years. What is relatively new is the power tillage technique of introducing legumes into grass dominant sods.