Energy Savers
Dry Tropics

Ayr Horticulture Farm

Proposed
25
Energy Savings
249
Savings
82,194
Industry
Horticulture
Product
Sweet corn and mung beans
Irrigation
Centre pivot
Pumps
Centrifugal
Technology
Pump upgrade, Variable Speed Control
Capital Cost
$102,747

Summary

A recent energy audit showed how improving the current irrigation system can lead to energy and cost savings. The recommendations explored in the audit included refurbishment of 4 irrigation pumps and install Variable Speed Control in 5 pivot pumps.

The farm grows sweet corn and mung bean crops at two sites in the Home Hill area located within 10km. Mechanical harvesting is conducted before produce is trucked to Bowen for processing and refrigeration.

Energy consumption on both farm sites is dominated by pumping and irrigation operations. Other energy consumption is for minor uses such as lighting, office air conditioning and compressed air. The annual energy consumption for the site is 1,218,000 kWh at a cost of $288,000. 

The site energy consumption consist of:

  • 11 centre pivots that irrigate a combined area of approximately 780ha.  
  • 15 pumps ranging between 15kW and 75 kW that supply river water to centre pivots via channel and underground piping system.

recent energy audit showed how improving the current systems can lead to energy and cost savings by investing $102,747, the recommendations explored in the audit with payback periods under 3 years included: 

  • Refurbishment of 4 irrigation pumps operating at low efficiency. 
  • Install Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to 5 pivot pumps.

Table 1. Energy savings from audit recommendations 

Recommendation  Energy savings (kWh)  Cost Savings ($)  Emission Savings (tCO2-e)  Payback Period (Years)  Cost to Implement ($) 
4 Irrigation pumps refurbishment 92,476 23,445 75 0.6 13,750
55kW pivot pump Variable Speed Control 51,902 14,117 42 1.2 16,825
55kW river pump Variable Speed Control 49,254 13,791 40 1.3 18,508
45kW pivot pump Variable Speed Control 40,814 11,510 33 1.4 16,159
45kW pivot pump Variable Speed Control 35,251 9,588 31 1.7 16,159
75kW pivot pump Variable Speed Control 34,796 9,743 28 2.2 21,346
Total  304,493 82,194 249 1.2 102,747

The energy audit also suggested a review of the tariff pricing structure for several site accounts with potential savings of $5,945 per annum.

By installing all the recommendations in the audit, the business could reduce energy consumption by 25%, and costs by 29%, with carbon emission savings of 249 tCO2e per year. 

Table 2. Pre and post audit energy consumption and costs. 

Audit Metric  Pre-Audit  Post-Audit  Reduction (%)
Energy Consumption (kWh)  1,218,000 913,507  25
Energy Costs ($)  288,000 205,806  29
Emission (tCO2-e)  987 738  25

 

An energy audit is a good investment 

An energy audit is a great first step in moving a business towards a more efficient future by reducing energy use, costs and Carbon emissions onsite.  

An energy auditor will review your past energy bills, your equipment and the way your business operates. They’ll show you where you’re using excess energy and explain what you can do about it. Find out about what’s involved in an energy audit HERE. 

See our range of agricultural energy efficiency case studies HERE and Subscribe to our bi-monthly energy e-news HERE  

If you have any energy efficiency related questions for the team get in touch at energysavers@qff.org.au.  

The Energy Savers Plus Extension Program is delivered in by the Queensland Farmers Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works. 

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