Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.