A dairy farm located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland could benefit from a comprehensive energy audit that explored both the milking operation and irrigated paddocks. This case study focuses on the irrigation system benefits of installing a new pump with a Variable Speed Drive (VSD), new suction line, shortening the mainline and replacing the sprinklers and risers.
A recent energy savers audit showed how a dairy farm in the Burdekin region could improve heating and cooling efficiency onsite after implementing the recommendations of a recent energy audit.
The audit of this 46Ha Bundaberg sugar cane farm considered energy consumption, hydraulic losses, and crop management. The audit recommended upgrading the pumps and changing the irrigation design. The site consists of a river pump and booster pump on separate NIMIs and irrigated using high pressure Gun, medium pressure boom and low-pressure furrow.
An Emerald irrigated cotton farm could benefit from a recent Energy Savers Audit. This case study details the need to inspect, maintain and repair pumps before potential replacement in order to achieve lower payback periods.
A farm producing feed for livestock has the potential to reduce energy consumption and costs by installing a combination of renewable and diesel energy sources onsite.
An 120ha cane farm in the Ayr region is taking a holistic approach taking part in both the Queensland Farmers Federation Reef, and Energy Savers programs. The site aims to reduce fertiliser use, energy consumption and costs while increasing production and minimising its impact on the surrounding Great Barrier Reef.
A 220ha irrigated cotton farm could save money and time by implementing recommendations from their Energy Savers Audit. The site produces some Corn, Barley, Wheat and Chickpeas. Three pumps lift water from the creek to three separate centre pivots consuming nearly 110,000 kWh at a cost of $23000. Four potential solar systems were compared with the best payback chosen to offset and reduce consumption below 100,000kWh. As consumption is just over 100MW p.a. both SAC small and large customer tariffs were considered, and a comprehensive analysis shown to minimise operating costs.
A farm producing fodder feed for livestock has the potential to reduce energy consumption and costs by installing new efficient pumps and making changes to the irrigation system.