Feasibility Study and Simulation of Utilization of Renewable Energies in a Broiler Industry

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Department of Agricultural Machinery Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

Abstract

This research was conducted to feasibility study and simulation of utilization of renewable energies (solar and biomass) in broiler industry in Khorramabad County. Data was collected by field sampling (for a breeding period in winter 2015-2016) and from organizations. In the simulation of a grid-connected photovoltaic system (20 kW) with PVsyst 6.7 software, the average performance ratio and available useful energy of the system were calculated at 0.785 and 4.75 kWh/kWp/day, respectively. The use of photovoltaic system can cover 25% of electrical energy in broiler production farms in winter season. Also, in feasibility study of combined heat and power system, the potential of biogas production from broiler manure was calculated at 448.5 m3 per 1000 pieces of broiler. The use of biogas plant can supply 98% of the electrical energy of broiler production farms in winter season. According to the results, the use of renewable energies in the present conditions, despite the reduction of fossil fuels consumption and many environmental benefits, in the broiler industry is not economical.

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