College Energy Program
Energy Projects
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Kentucky Rural Energy Consortium The Kentucky Rural Energy Consortium (KREC) is a partnership involving UK Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering and Center for Applied Energy Research; University of Louisville Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center and J.B. Speed School of Engineering; other Kentucky Universities; the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy and other key state agencies; and agricultural commodities groups and industry partners. KREC seeks to advance research, development and deployment related to biomass, renewable energy and energy efficiency of Kentucky agriculture, rural communities, and industries. KREC was established in 2005, and awarded 7 competitive research grants in excess of $1.5M in 2006 with monies from DOE. Contacts: Don Colliver, Czarena Crofcheck, Rich Gates, Mike Montross, Sue Nokes |
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Development of Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) Many buildings are not very energy efficient due to insufficient design fees for energy optimization during design and construction. A consortium of UK faculty and four international professional societies are conducting the research and developing design guides that provide comprehensive recommendations which will result in buildings which use 30-, 50- and 70% less energy than buildings constructed to current building codes. The AEDG for Small Offices will lead to annual energy savings of over $408M and reduction of 2.2 million metric tons of CO2. AEDGs for small retail buildings and K-12 schools are currently being developed. Contact: Don Colliver Keywords: lighting, heating/cooling, office/commercial |
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Residential Air Infiltration and Air Quality Air infiltration and ventilation represent a third to a half of the $66.5 million annual heating and cooling energy costs for US residences. Weather-responsive ventilation systems are being developed to reduce energy losses caused by excess air infiltration while maintaining sufficient ventilation to maintain indoor air quality. Contact: Don Colliver Keywords: heating/cooling, residential, indoor air quality |
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Thermal Control Strategies for High Tunnels Plastic greenhouses, or high tunnels, used in tobacco seedling production are under-utilized and could be modified with better environmental control strategies for use in other crops. The goals are to develop a model that will predict the interior conditions of the greenhouse and design and test an economical, energy-efficient thermal control system for optimal plant growth. Contacts: Joey Norikane, Erin Wilkerson Keywords: heating/cooling, agricultural facilities |
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Emissions from US Poultry Facilities Intensive animal production facilities release an unknown amount of ammonia, dust and carbon dioxide that can contribute to poor regional air quality. There is a direct relationship between the building ventilation rate for temperature and humidity control (and corresponding energy use) and the emissions released from a facility. A key contribution to the science to date has been the development, fabrication and dissemination of ten units for measuring building ventilation rates; and a portable, low-cost means of measuring total building emissions. Intensive measurement of emissions is underway, with the first two sites for the EPA Air Consent Agreement being located in western Kentucky. This project offers significant benefit to the Kentucky poultry industry and to individual poultry growers. Contact: Rich Gates Keywords: heating/cooling, agricultural facilities, indoor air quality |
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Autonomous Vehicles An autonomous (driverless) farm tractor has been constructed and demonstrated for use in simple field operations. The unique system utilizes low-cost microcontroller technologies to minimize fuel consumption and excessive application of chemicals during field operations, and has great potential to reduce labor costs and health/safety concerns. Autonomous vehicles are particularly applicable to small and part time farm operations and to the rugged terrain of Kentucky. Contacts: Scott Shearer, Tim Stombaugh Keywords: liquid fuels, chemicals |
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Intelligent Transition Sensor System Knowing when to activate a valve to optimize processing facilities can save considerable energy and materials. The “Intelligent Transition Sensor” uses an optical transmission signal, an algorithm, and an embedded microprocessor to determine the type of material flowing in a pipeline. For example, when cleaning milk lines in a dairy processing facility, the sensor can be used to determine when a line is sufficiently cleaned. Contact: Fred Payne Keywords: chemicals, agricultural facilities |
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The Science and Engineering for a Biobased Industry and Economy This project involves researchers from multiple states, and has been developed to reduce the cost of handling biomass, and expand the scientific knowledge leading to significant economic improvements in biobased products. The project intends to identify educational materials to train a workforce to support biobased industry. A website has been launched (www.lgu.umd.edu/lgu_v2/homepages/home.cfm?trackID=1934) which serves as a clearinghouse for information related to research on biomass conversion. Contacts: Czarena Crofcheck, Mike Montross, Sue Nokes Keywords: crop residues, liquid fuels, chemicals |
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Collection and Characterization of Biomass for Fuel and Chemical Production Corn stover is a potential feedstock for the production of fuels and chemicals that could generate additional farm revenue of $70/acre for producers in Kentucky and other states. Corn stover has been extensively analyzed to characterize variations in composition so equipment and processes can be developed. Contacts: Czarena Crofcheck, Mike Montross, Scott Shearer Keywords: crop residues, liquid fuels, chemicals |
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Microbially-Based Biofuels and Bioproducts Research This research effort is based on the premise that structural plant carbohydrates (fibrous biomass) can be used as inexpensive and renewable feedstocks for biologically-mediated conversion processes. The specific focus has been understanding and enhancing the use of bacteria as bio-catalysts in the conversion of fibrous biomass to biofuels and other vendable chemicals. The major research thrusts include: biochemical and molecular characterization of sugar transport in anaerobic thermophiles, evaluation of thermophilic microbial metabolism at high pressure in supercritical solvents, development of solid-state culture techniques involving thermophilic bacteria and fibrous biomass for the production of thermo-stable enzymes, isolation of ethanol-tolerant strains and subsequent characterization of adaptation to ethanol, and characterization of cellular metabolism. Contacts: Barbara Knutson, Bert Lynn, Sue Nokes, Herb Strobel Keywords: crop residues, liquid fuels, chemicals |
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Novel Catalysts for Biodiesel Production Improvement Biodiesel is a fuel derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and meeting the ASTM D-6751 fuel standard requirement. The use of a regular diesel blended with biodiesel can provide nearly the same engine torque and horsepower, and decreased engine emissions without any engine modifications. Biodiesel is currently more expensive to produce than petroleum-derived diesel, which makes the use of biodiesel less attractive even in light of all the benefits. Hence, there is a need for improved processing techniques to bring the cost of production down, while still producing high quality biodiesel. Efforts are underway to improve the catalyst used in the process; not only will the formation of residual soaps and salts be reduced, but the catalyst may also be recovered for repeated use. Contact: Mark Crocker, Czarena Crofcheck Keywords: grains, animal waste, liquid fuels |
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Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-Oil This project addresses the technical issues relating to catalyst-assisted stabilization of crude biomass-derived pyrolysis oils (“bio-oil”), for the ultimate production of fuels and high value chemicals. To date, the upgrading of bio-oil has been achieved using either hydrotreating, which is not economical, or cracking, which is not currently feasible on a production scale. Therefore, a low severity method for bio-oil deoxygenation is needed. We are examining two alternative concepts aimed at catalytic deoxygenation of bio-oil to a stabilized product, utilizing mild cracking over base catalysts and metal-catalyzed deoxygenation. Contact: Czarena Crofcheck |
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Creating Sustainable High-Value Forests for Carbon Sequestration and Biomass Production High-value hardwood trees are being established on surface-mined lands in Kentucky. Long-term benefits include reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and improvements in soil and water quality by reduced flooding and sedimentation of streams and lakes. Mine reclamation methods are being modified by changing current practices, which cause substantial soil compaction and low tree survivability, to a new method loose dumped spoil which produces a surface topography with 3- to 5-ft depressions. KY has influenced policy development nationwide and approximately 20% of new mining permits in KY have adopted this new reclamation technique. Contact: Donald Graves, Richard Warner Keywords: wood, solid fuels |
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Biomass Education Modules A workshop was developed for middle-school students to show that decisions related to renewable energy (or any energy policy for that matter) are not straight-forward. A learning module is provided for use in classrooms by teachers or as self-paced learning for students. The website (ces.ca.uky.edu/energy/biofuels) includes electronic slide sets, craft instructions, and an energy board game. The workshop and learning module have been piloted in Kentucky schools. Contact: Sue Nokes Keywords: crop residues, grains, liquid fuels |
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Biodiesel and Ethanol Tours State officials and citizens across the Commonwealth were educated about the production and utilization of clean/alternative fuels by conducting a tour of ethanol and biodiesel production facilities and creating companion “virtual” tours for both ethanol and biodiesel. The “virtual” tours, entitled The Kentucky Biodiesel Journey and the Kentucky Ethanol Journey, are both CD-based, movie-like journeys. A web site (ces.ca.uky.edu/energy/biofuels) was created to distribute the virtual tours and additional information. Contact: Czarena Crofcheck Keywords: grains, animal waste, liquid fuels |
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Stored Grain Management Kentucky’s grain farmers produced over 225 million bushels of corn, grain sorghum, soybean, wheat and barley in 2003, which is conservatively valued at over $850 million. County meetings are provided to assist farmers with decisions on increasing drying or storage capacity, reducing energy consumption and improving corn quality for ethanol production. Extension engineers on this multi-state team developed an animated slide presentation to illustrate proven stored grain management practices suitable to Kentucky’s climate and grain producers (www.bae.uky.edu/ext/Grain_Storage). The quality of the program was recognized by winning a Blue Ribbon Award in a national competition for educational aids. Contact: Sam McNeill Keywords: heating/cooling, agricultural facilities |
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Greenhouse Systems As producers seek alternatives to tobacco production, the number of greenhouse production systems in Kentucky has increased. Greenhouse energy efficiency outreach is an area of growth for the College. Past work has included methods for improved energy efficiency in tobacco greenhouses, and education programs on ventilation, moisture control, and energy efficiency. Contacts: George Duncan, Erin Wilkerson Keywords: heating/cooling, agricultural facilities |
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Residential Housing The College’s residential housing extension program addresses energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality issues. Energy conservation extension programs focus on determining proper insulation levels and proper sizing of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems which can reduce consumer energy bills. Energy efficiency resource materials are available online at ces.ca.uky.edu/energy. The indoor air quality program addresses techniques for controlling mold and humidity. Water conservation strategies in the home can have an economic impact for families through reducing water bills and/or gas and electric bills. Water conservation resource materials are available online at (www.ca.uky.edu/enri/consrv.htm). Contacts: Linda Adler, Robert Fehr, Kim Henken Keywords: lighting, heating/cooling, residential facilities, indoor air quality |
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Energy Education Issues The State Office of Energy Policy and College of Agriculture Extension Specialists have developed joint energy conservation programs. Displays and materials have been delivered to non-traditional Extension audiences such as Home Builder Associations, Realtor Associations, and energy suppliers, as well as more traditional venues like the Kentucky State Fair and Farm Machinery Show. Topics have covered radon, Green Homes/Energy Star, indoor air management of asthma, allergies, and mold, and water conservation. Contacts: Linda Adler, Robert Fehr, Kim Henken, Larry Piercy Keywords: electrical equipment, lighting, heating/cooling, residential facilities, office/commercial facilities |
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4-H Energy Education Issues In the second phase of an energy education project co-sponsored by the US Department of Energy, National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, and the National 4-H Council’s Afterschool Program, Kentucky 4-H agents will be piloting energy efficiency and renewable energy education modules with 4-H youth audiences. The materials were developed by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project and are focused on the topic of Heat and Heating. The current plan calls for at least three counties to be involved in piloting the materials in three different delivery modes. Contact: Carol Hanley Keywords: electrical equipment, lighting, heating/cooling, residential facilities, office/commercial facilities, youth education |
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Managing Fuel and Fuel-Derivative Inputs in Production Agriculture Through its crops budgeting process, UK agricultural economists have monitored the impact of increasing fuel costs on producers and provided management assistance to minimize negative impacts. For example, increasing fuel costs have increased costs of fertilizer, diesel for equipment (field and transportation to markets) and propane for drying crops by $.20 to $.30 per bushel for corn and $.05 to $.08 per pound for tobacco. Extension specialists have conducted educational programs and provided materials to assist farmers in reducing these fuel-price driven impacts. Examples include moving to no till, alternative nitrogen application methods which allow lower application rates and assessing the yield impacts of lower input usages. However, these alternatives must be coordinated into the entire agronomic system, including pest and disease management. Contacts: David Heisterberg, David Smith Keywords: heating/cooling, agricultural facilities, liquid fuels |