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On-Farm Measurement & Assessment of Freestall Barn Ventilation

Applied Research

Chris Zoller
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & EXTENSION EDUCATOR ANR
Ohio State University Extension Tuscarawas County
New Philadelphia

Abstract

Operating a dairy farm consumes significant amounts of energy to power fans for cooling in the summer, daily milking, and pumps to move and transfer manure. The purpose of this on-farm research project was to assess the energy consumption of a 300-cow robotic dairy in east central Ohio. Energy consumption, fan layout, and fan performance data were collected at the beginning of the project to establish a baseline. During the period June through September, fans accounted for over 60% of energy consumption. That percentage increased to 69% in the months of July and August. Based on fan performance data, and in consultation with the farm owner, we identified which fans were underperforming and could be replaced. Utilizing funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Innovation Grant, we replaced those existing fans with new, better performing fans. Removal and installation were completed by a licensed electrician. This study documented that there were opportunities to reduce energy costs by adjusting the operating time of certain loads. For example, we discovered that operating the manure pump in the evening/early morning hours when very little motors were in operation provided savings to the costly peak demand charges. Upgrading to new and improved fans resulted in improvements in cow comfort and daily milk production. This poster will describe the background of the project, outline the five steps of the on-farm energy process flow, demonstrate how others can conduct similar research, and provide a summary of production, energy, and financial outcomes.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: Jason Hartschuh, Chris Zoller, Eric Romich, Jordan Clark
  1. Hartschuh, J. ANR Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43420
  2. Zoller, C. Professor & Assistant Director, ANR, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43210
  3. Romich, E. Professor & Field Specialist, Energy Education, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43351
  4. Clark, J. Associate Professor, Ohio State University, Ohio, 43210