This case study summarises the outcomes from audits conducted on 2 Queensland Piggeries taking part in the Energy Savers Program.
Energy Savers
Summary
The total energy consumption from the measured areas on the 2 piggeries was 458,344kWh at an annual cost of $103,203, resulting in emissions of 371 tonnes of CO2-e per annum.
Opportunities: the main opportunities identified at the Piggeries include
- Pumping and Irrigation- Savings from Variable Speed Drive installation, pump replacements and maintenance, and changes to irrigation design and automation.
- Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC)– Maintenance and upgrades of condenser motor, VSD, ventilation fan and heating.
- Lighting and General- Replacement and retrofitting of lights with LEDs, infrastructure upgrades to facilitate efficiency gains and general management changes.
- Gas- Hot water, insulation and general heating improvements to gas systems on the farm.
- Solar and Batteries– Grid-connected and standalone.
- Solar Systems- Ranging in size from 5-100kW.
Table 1. Technology Recommendations and Savings in the Pork Industry.
|
Recommendation |
Total | Energy Savings (kWh) | Cost Savings ($) | Capital Cost ($) | Average Payback (Years) |
Emission Reduction (tCO2-e) |
|
Pumping and Irrigation |
1 | 7,558 | 1,504 | 10,000 | 4.3 |
6 |
|
HVAC |
2 | 14,400 | 5,373 | 48,000 | 15.6 |
12 |
|
Lighting and General |
3 | 45,655 | 8,674 | 19,495 | 7.9 |
37 |
|
Gas |
3 | 300,836 | 46,500 | 90,600 | 1 |
244 |
|
Solar and Batteries |
1 | 13,000 | 1,900 | 29,000 | 11 | 10 |
|
Solar Systems |
4 | 107,275 | 22,513 | 103,100 | 3.9 |
87 |
|
Total |
14 |
488,724 | 86,464 | 300,195 | 7.2 |
396 |
|
Total Recommendations |
665 | 7,459,015 | 2,817,342 | 12,784,670 | 6.85 |
6,042 |
Table 1 highlights the potential energy savings of 488,724kWh identified in the audits.
Including production benefits, a saving of $86,464 and an estimated 396 tonnes of CO2-e could be realised per annum. At a capital cost of $300,195, the average payback was 7.2 years.
Additional value adding from the energy audits showed how an increase in water delivery, could increase production and profit with a reduction in energy consumed per unit of output.
Table 2. Pre and Post Audit Metrics.
| Metric | Pre-Audits | Post- Audits |
Reduction (%) |
|
Energy Consumption (kWh) |
458,344 | -30,380 |
106 |
|
Energy Costs ($) |
103,203 | 16,739 |
83 |
|
Emissions (tCO2-e) |
371 | -25 |
106 |
As the installation of the recommendations is made within the industry, measurement and verification will be undertaken, and case studies will be updated to include the actual energy savings.
Energy Efficiency for your Industry and Business
An energy audit is a great way for a business to cut costs, reduce emissions and boost productivity.
The audits show that there are significant opportunities in the pork industry to improve energy efficiency by investigating the gas systems. A piggery farm in the Southern Downs region saves over $70,000 per year by upgrading the lighting and ventilation systems, as well as by implementing solar systems, with a total capital cost less than the savings, to see more details click HERE.
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The Energy Savers Plus Extension Program is delivered by the Queensland Farmers Federation with support and funding from the Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works.
