Energy in Agricultural Systems MODULE 4: INTRODUCTION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY Funding provided by The Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Introduction to Renewable Energy Overview 1. What is renewable energy? Renewable energy overview Where energy comes from Solar Wind Biomass Geothermal Hydroelectric Tidal/wave 2. Energy resources on the farm A natural fit Solar Wind Biomass 3. Measuring electricity 4. Using electricity Stephenpenland.com
1. What is renewable energy? Renewable energy- energy from a natural resource that is not depleted when used and does not pollute the environment
Renewable energy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4xkthjckae
Where does all energy come from on Earth? All energy ultimately comes from the sun Fossil fuels- fuel from ancient organisms Plants and animals needed/need the sun Renewables come from the sun Cleantechnica.com
Renewable energy potential and reserves The right hand side shows the TOTAL finite reserves we have left on Earth (fossil energy is finite) The left side shows the total renewable access potential we have PER YEAR (renewable energy is regenerated!) In 2009 we used 16 Twy/year. In 2050, projected to use 28 Twy/year.
Solar Energy- Sun Solar energy comes directly from the sun, duh Solar resources in the US 20 days of solar-based energy is equal to all of the energy stored in the earth s reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas
Wind Energy- Wind Wind energy Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the earth s surface by the sun As air warms, it expands, becoming less dense and rising= movement Wind potential in the U.S. Midwest is in the prime location!
Biomass- Plants and Animals Biomass Plants and animals need the sun Biomass potential in the U.S.
Geothermal Energy- Earth Geothermal In part comes from the friction and gravitational pull of Earth to the sun Geothermal potential of the U.S. Underground, an almost constant temperature of ~55 degrees F Thermal heating and cooling of air and water Electricity where sources are hot enough to power generators https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfqre91kzwk Idahogeothermal.com
Hydropower-Water Hydroelectric The water cycle is driven by solar energy When the sun heats water, water is vaporized Vaporized water rises and eventually cools, coming back in the form of rain/hail/snow Hydropower potential of United States Hydropower can be scaled down to generate electricity from small rivers, streams, and even irrigation canals Rain falls to the ground! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8hmrlcgdai
Tidal/Wave Energy- Water Gravitational pull causes tides to rise Waves come from wind which comes from the sun! Tidal potential of United States Tidal and wave energy acquired along the coast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- OeqKLiEwZ0 Tidal Energy energy.gov
2. Energy Resources from the Farm Why do you think renewable energy fits right in with agriculture?
Renewable energy- a natural fit for ag. Renewable energy is a resource that can be HARVESTED forever Wind blows across fields Sun shines on pastures Plants grow in the fields
Solar Energy Solar energy is generally used in two forms: thermal and electric Thermal Heat water and air Water heating for a dairy Air heating for grain drying Electric (photovoltaic) Provide electricity Lights, fans, feed augers, etc. Power-guru.com Arctec.net
Wind Energy- Wind Wind turbines can be owned OR Private land can be leased for turbines Provides electrical energy Fastest growing new source of electricity in America (commercially) Provides many job opportunities!
Biomass Fuels- Plants and Animals Biomass potential resources Biomass- plants Biogas- animal waste
Biomass Biomass Can be used to generate electricity and heat Can be refined into liquid fuels Biogas Can be processed through anaerobic digestion (microbes) to capture methane for electrical generation and heating Methane digesters on American farms are producing about 500,000 MWh each year AgriCultured
Renewable energy in the Midwest Solar Wind Biomass These renewable sources are the most applicable right now for use in Midwest ag systems
The need for renewable energy Economics Energy independence Environmental protection Health concerns from pollution Wind, solar, and biomass energy are resources that can be harvested forever Long-term source of income Climatechange.lta.org
3. Measuring Electricity Power Measured in watts (W) Energy used/consumed is measured in kilo-watt hours (kwh) Electrical currents Alternating current (AC)- used in outlets everywhere Polarity (negative and positive) is reversed at regular intervals 60 cycles per second Direct current (DC) Polarity is fixed and travels in a single direction Produced by renewables and converted to AC
4. Using Electricity Grid-tied renewable energy systems Most common Allows electricity to be used on site or sent to the grid Net metering allows you to sell excess electricity produced back to the power company
Handout and worksheet