Save up to 4000 euros on storage costs

Specifically, more than 55% are looking for ways to better utilize self-generated energy. Around 10% of arable farmers are waiting for a new (heavier) connection, and another 10% are considering storing energy on the farm. The underlying causes are well-known. The energy crisis of 2022, grid congestion in large parts of the country, and the costs that energy suppliers now charge for feeding energy back into the grid have led to a different perspective on energy management.

Storage and sorting of large energy users on arable farms

The largest consumers of electricity on arable farms are fans, mechanical cooling systems, and sorting installations. To optimize energy consumption, storage and processing lines are typically the areas where the most gains can be made. However, a study by WUR on energy and agriculture in 2019 also indicates that "the weeks in which the energy demand for product storage occurs do not align well with a solar energy production curve." In other words, the majority of the storage and sorting period falls in the winter months when the sun provides little energy. Particularly during drying and cooling periods, there are opportunities to use energy more efficiently. However, these are also the times when the foundation for the quality of the stored product for the rest of the storage period is established. Earlier practical research, "Smart and Cost-Effective Storage" by PPO, already indicated that there can be up to a fivefold difference in the amount of energy used per ton of product during storage. This means that for an individual farmer, it can be very beneficial to take a closer look at the energy management on their farm.

Quality or cost control?

There are opportunities for energy savings in storage, especially during peak times. The possibilities for this depend on the individual farm. Storage computers are primarily focused on maintaining the quality of the stored product. The main goal of the system is to create storage conditions that prevent bacteria and fungi from growing and minimize weight loss. Practical research has shown that storage losses have a greater impact on the financial results than energy consumption costs. In fact, this is still the case today, but due to the significant fluctuations in energy costs (even to negative prices at times), the need to manage energy use smartly is now more evident than ever.

Automated savings in storage

To make the feasibility of these savings more concrete, we can take the energy costs of a shed storing 1,000 tons of consumption potatoes, which are stored for around eight months, as an example. With an all-in energy price of €0.20 per kWh, the total storage period costs €10,750 for ventilation and cooling (€1.1 ct/kg). Looking at this in more detail, 5% of these energy costs are for the wound healing/drying phase, 20% for the cooling phase, and 75% for the storage phase. The wound healing/drying phase is one where no savings can be made from a quality standpoint. The cooling phase still occurs during a period when solar panels can generate significant energy. By choosing to use mechanical cooling during the day instead of night-time outside air ventilation, the product is brought to temperature more quickly and self-generated energy is used effectively. Automating this with an energy management system based on weather forecasts can lead to savings of up to 40% (€850) during the cooling phase. The same savings can also be achieved during the remaining six months of the storage phase. A 40% savings during this period would result in a reduction of about €3,270. Over the entire storage period, energy costs can thus be reduced by approximately €4,400 to €6,600. Interested in learning more about energy management? Vision Control | Tolsma-Grisnich