Broiler shed electricity demand is composed of the following:

• Fans 49% total energy used
• Lighting 27%
• Feed motors 3%

An energy audit onsite identified areas to improve energy efficiency with recommendations to

• Install Power factor correction
• Install energy-efficient ventilation fans
• Consider Solar tube controlled natural lighting
• Consider Large scale solar PV and battery storage.

The audit assessed several scenarios for reducing ventilation energy consumption.

Rather than replace all ventilation fans in a shed-by-shed strategy, the audit considered several scenarios from four to 12 replacements per shed starting with the four most frequently used fans.

Replacing the four most frequently used fans would reduce power consumption by over 100,000kWh per annum, with that saving increasing to over 160,000 kWh per year if all 12 fans in each shed were replaced.

Note, however, that if a new Power Factor Correction (PFC) Unit was installed, the savings from the fan upgrades are reduced, as new EC fans will improve power factor, reducing demand. Once PFC is included, the fan replacements no longer have a demand saving, so the payback is not as appealing.

Potential energy savings from installing Solar Tubes to provide daytime shed lighting were modelled. Lighting consumption is already relatively low as LED lights have been installed in all sheds. Solar tube controlled natural lighting would save 55,188 kWh with a large payback of 24 years. In this case, therefore, it would not be viable to replace efficient LED lights although this could be an option for a new built shed or upgrade of less efficient lighting.

The auditor modelled the Installation of a three-phase 350 kW solar system coupled with a 1,000kWh battery bank which would enable the farm to operate off-grid. The backup generators rated at 360 kW with the grid connection would provide increased reliability measures. Although, with a battery life of around 15 years, the 18-year payback shows the technology is not quite there economically.

Should the farm implement batteries in the future, as costs come down, they will be well poised to take advantage of peer to peer trading through the generation from their assets. Reductions in energy use have the potential to increase profit by lowering operating costs.

Whilst the fans would reduce consumption and improve power factor, at a cost of $36,000, the Power Factor Correction units provide a quick return on investment at a relatively low cost. A demand reduction of 62 kVAR would be achieved saving the farm $9,347 each year on their electricity bills from implementing this recommendation alone.

Achieving energy savings across the farm is not limited to large capital expenditures. Life expectancy and efficiency can be improved with the general maintenance of equipment.

As a participant in the Energy Savers Plus Program Extension (ESPPE) the farm is eligible for a grant of up to $20,000 to help fund the improvements. Added benefits include greenhouse gas emission reductions of 37 tCO₂-e per year.

These estimated costs and savings will be updated to actual savings once the farmer has implemented the projects.

An energy audit is a good investment 

An energy audit is a great way for a business to cut costs and boost productivity. Find out about what’s involved in an energy audit 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.