2012 Annual Report for ENC11-122
Alternative Energy Production and Untilization on Farms - A Workshop
Summary
A workshop on renewable energy production and utilization on farm was successfully held August 28 through Thursday, August 30, 2012. Twenty five farmer educators from Missouri attended the workshop. Many topics regarding the principal concepts, design, and economics of anaerobic digestion and solar energy were presented. Several lectures were given on the first two days of the workshop. The concepts of small wind energy farms and the biomass characterization and utilization for biochar production were also presented. Many speakers from Missouri University, Lincoln University, West Texas A&M University, anaerobic digestion industry, Department of Natural Resource (NRD) presented different topics in their areas of expertise. The workshop attendees visited a farm that has a solar powered pumping water system. Moreover the attendees had a chance to get hands on experience on the anaerobic digestion, solar heating and photovoltaic systems, and pyrolysis of biomass to produce biochar. The workshop was evaluated by pre and post event surveys. Based on the results of the survey, we had a successful workshop that achieved the intended objective. A website was developed for this project. The website has useful information and links to the topics covered during the workshop and other information on the anaerobic digestion and solar energy.
Objectives/Performance Targets
The main objective of this project was to design and offer two workshops, each of three days’ duration, on the role of alternative energy in sustainable agriculture. The specific objective is to educate farmers’ educators about the utilization of solar energy and the production and utilization of biogas on the farm.
Accomplishments/Milestones
1- Installation of a pilot scale anaerobic digestion system and solar heating and photovoltaic systems
A pilot scale anaerobic digester with a total volume of 165 gallon was installed as a demonstration unit. The unit is used as a teaching and a demonstration tool. The system will be starting soon and will be operated at mesophilic conditions (35oC) to treat animal manure. The system is mixed with liquid recirculation through three nozzles that are installed in the reactor bottom. The digester is connected to a vacuum tube solar heating system to provide the thermal energy needed to operate the system. A temperature controller is installed in the digester. A water pump is installed to provide hot water from the solar heating system to the digester. The system has a timer to control the operation of the water and recirculation pumps. The system has a data logger to monitor the temperature in different points on the system. A photovoltaic system was also installed as a model for teaching and training purposes. An inverter and batteries set were purchased and connected to the photovoltaic system. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the main component of solar-heating anaerobic digester.
2- Offering the first workshop
The first workshop was held successfully Tuesday, August 28 through Thursday, August 30, 2012, Carver Farm 3804 Bald Hill Road, Jefferson City, Missouri. Twenty five farmer educators from Missouri attended the workshop. In addition to the PI and Co-PI’S, twelve speakers from different universities, anaerobic digestion industry and Department of Natural Resource (NRD) were invited to give up to date information on anaerobic digestion, solar energy, and wind energy. Two farmers were also invited to share their prospective on renewable energy application on farms. Table (1) shows the topics addressed during the workshop and the name of presenters and their affiliation. As shown in Table (1), during the first two days of the workshop several lectures were given. On the third day, there was a field trip to a farm that has a watering system that is operated with solar energy. Moreover, demonstrations and hands-on experiences on solar heating, photovoltaic anaerobic digestion and biomass pyrolysis were also presented on the third day.
3- Development of A Website for This Project
A website is being developed for this project. The website has useful information and links to the topics covered during the workshop. https://bluetigerportal.lincolnu.edu/web/nanotech/sare
- Some pictures taken during the workshop
- Figure 1
- Workshop program
- Wokshop evaluation
- Workshop brochure
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
The importance of application of alternative energy resources in realizing sustainable agriculture was disseminated via presenting the theoretical knowledge and applied examples. The environmental and economic benefits of biogas and solar energy were taught. The trained individual stated that they will convey the information gained during the workshop to farmers. Participants will be able to teach farmers about anaerobic digestion and solar energy systems. They will also be able to teach farmers about biogas project permitting issues.