Electricity and the Farm

Lighting

Electricity accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the lifecycle cost of owning and operating a fluorescent lighting system, while lamp costs account for only one to two per cent.
Consider replacing all incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs are 75 per cent more efficient and last 7-10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They are available in a variety of sizes and can save over 50 per cent of current incandescent costs.
Consider replacing rows of incandescent lamps or T12 fluorescent fixtures with T8 lamps and electronic ballasts. T8/electronic ballast combinations can save over 25 per cent when replacing T12 linear systems.
Install timers and/or photo cells on lighting fixtures or systems to ensure it is only on when required.

Motors

Most manufacturers now offer motors that are more efficient than the regulated minimum efficiency models. Motors can last up to 25 years, so buying a new one or replacing an old motor is an important investment decision.
Motor purchase prices represent only about three per cent of the lifetime cost for most motors – the remaining 97 per cent goes toward the operational cost of electricity. This means a one or two per cent improvement in efficiency rating can provide substantial savings. The payback period can be less than five years, depending on the cost of electricity and the operating hours.
Motors operate most efficiently when matched close to their load. The efficiency peaks between 60 and 80 per cent of full load, depending on motor size. The energy efficiency of a motor begins to drop off substantially below 50 per cent of full load. Thus using a motor that is oversized for its application will result in a loss of efficiency.
Power factor is the ratio of the real power (kilowatt (kW), or the power the motor is actually using) to the apparent power kilovolt-ampere (kVA, or the power you are paying for). The higher the power factor, the more you will save. When a motor operates near its rated load, the power factor is high. A motor that is oversized and lightly loaded has a low power factor causing an increase to electrical costs.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) or adjustable speed drives (ASDs) should be considered if there are motor applications on the farm where the motor load varies. By automatically adjusting the speed, energy saving can be realized.
For additional energy efficiency information on electricity, go to the residential section.