Training Course on Farm

Electrification for Agricultural

and Biosystems Engineering
(Module III)
Farm Electrification Systems
ENGR. JUANA T. TAPEL, PhD, ACPE
Professional Regulatory Board for Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
Definition of Farm Electrification
Farm Electrification refers to the design, construction and installation
of electrical power source, wiring and lighting and electric system for
farm production and processing of farm products.

This include off-grid farm electrification which uses stand-alone

power system not connected to the distribution system of any electric
distribution utilities.

This comprises both the generation, transmission and distribution

components using renewable energy technologies and hybrid
systems. (Draft IRR of R.A 10915)
Farm Electrification Systems
• Begin with power sourcing from the grid and/or power
generation within the farm for its operations.
• It is interconnected or combined with other systems from
generation, transmission, distribution and farm operation
use.
• Include design, construction and installation, operation and
maintenance of electrical power source, wiring and lighting
and electric system for farm production and processing of
farm products.
• Farm electrification systems should be safe, efficient,
reliable, and up-to-date.
Components of an Electric Power System
Ways to Produce Electrical Energy
1. Friction - static electricity
2. Pressure - piezoelectric crystals
3. Heat - Thermocouples, Thermopile
4. Light - solar cells or photocells
5. Chemical Action – Batteries, Fuel Cell
6. Magnetism – magnetic fields
Status of World
Power
Generation
POWER TRANSMISSION
• designed to carry large quantities of energy over
relatively long distances between the generating
stations and to the main substations

• Transmission Lines. Electric transmission

systems typically operate at relatively high
voltages compared to the voltages produced by
the generator and those used in the distribution
networks.
• This occurs because a transmission line carries
energy more efficiently as voltage increases.
Line Loss by System Voltage for 345,000 VA
 Transmission Lines
• If the generating station is
within the load region, the
required transmission lines
are relatively short. However,
this system lacks reliability.

• Failure of a transmission line

means energy cannot be
supplied to one part of the
region.
 Transmission Lines
• To improve the reliability, additional
lines can be constructed between
distribution substations.

• The loss of any one of the

transmission lines from the
generating station will result in
increased energy flow over the
remaining lines in such a manner
that the required energy reaches
each of the substations.
Transmission Lines

Generating station is located at a considerable distance

from the area it serves. This is more expensive but reduces
the reliability due to the greatly increased exposure of the
system to natural hazards.
Transmission Lines
In summary, the function of a
transmission system is to economically
and reliably:
1. Transmit power from the generating
stations to the load areas.
2. Interconnect load areas, generating
stations, and individual systems to
improve reliability.
3. Interconnect utilities in a region to
allow sharing of generation reserves
and other benefits.
Distribution System
• Distribution System - consists of several individual systems, each
connected to one or more distribution substations - it divides and
carries energy over a network of low-voltage circuits to each
customer
• Distribution system voltages: 120 V to 69 kV.
• Medium voltage distribution systems (2.4 kV to 69 kV) are used
between substations and load centers.
• Low voltage distribution systems (120 V to 600 V) are used to provide
power to residences, small industries, and most individual
commercial buildings.
Distribution System
Motors and Generators
• Electric motors and
generators are the opposite of
each other.
• Electric motors convert
electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
• Electric generators convert
mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
ELECTRIC MOTOR
• electric motor is an efficient means of
converting electrical energy into
mechanical energy
• commonly used as prime movers for
stationary and indoor equipment
Approximate Efficiency
• Electric Motor 50-99%
• Gasoline Engine 25%
• Diesel Engine 40%
 Advantages of Electric Motors
• low initial cost
• relatively inexpensive to operate
• available in fractional hp sizes (1/4, ½, ¾ hp)
• low integral hp sizes (1, 1 ½, 2, 2 ½, 3 hp)
• easy to start and simple to operate
• compact
• low noise level
• no exhaust fumes
• minimum of safety hazards
• potential for automatic control
Disadvantages of Electric Motors
• not adapted to mobile applications
• used only in farms with existing lines
• affected by power outages
Classification of Electric Motors

*Single-phase motors are the most common in the home, on the farm and in light industry.
Motor Ratings and Selection
• successful motor selection entails choosing a motor that will
meet load requirements without exceeding the motor’s
temperature and torque limitations within the physical
environment of operation
1. Torque Requirements
2. Starting Current Requirements
3. Temperature Rating
4. Duty Rating
5. Enclosure
6. Service Factor
7. Noise
Motor Ratings and Selection
1. Torque Requirements
• Locked-rotor Torque - motor torque at zero speed or the maximum
torque available to start the load
• Pull-up Torque - lowest value of torque produced by the motor
between zero and full load
• Full-load Torque - torque necessary to produce the motor’s rated
horsepower at rated speed
• Breakdown Torque - maximum torque a motor can carry without an
abrupt drop in speed that may make the motor stall or be inoperative
• Acceleration Torque - torque available for acceleration
2. Starting Current Requirements
• during starting, a
current of magnitude 2
to 7 times larger than
the full-load current is
expected

• a motor code
designated by a letter
on the motor
nameplate may be used
to compute for the
starting current
Example
Calculate the maximum locked-rotor current (starting current) for a ½
hp, 220 V motor with an H code.

Solution:
H code has a locked-rotor of 6.3 to 7.1 kVA/hp

𝑀𝑎𝑥.𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡,𝐴 = 7,100 𝑉𝐴 ℎ𝑝 × 1/2ℎ𝑝

220 𝑉
= 𝟏𝟔.𝟏𝟒 𝑨
3. Temperature Rating
• both bearing and insulation life are reduced as the operating
temperature of the motor increases
• motors are built with four insulation classes
• they are classed by the maximum temperature any spot in the motor
can tolerate continuously
• normal maximum ambient temperature for motor operation is 40o
4. Duty Rating
• refers to how frequently the
motor is started and for how long
it will run each time it is started
• continuous duty is operated for
more than 60 minutes at a time
• intermittent type is operated only
for up to 30 minutes at a time
and a rest or cooling period
between operations
5. Enclosure
Ideally, it is best to keep a motor as open as possible to allow
excess heat from the windings to be dissipated
however, when operating in an environment that may be
harmful to the motor, an enclosure is needed to protect it
Common types of motor enclosure:
a. Open-type enclosure - slots in the end shield or frame is
present where air can pass through - desirable for motors
operating in clean air and water is kept away from entering
the motor
b. Closed-type enclosure - fins are constructed on the frame
not affected by dusty condition and water splashes
c. Drip-proof type enclosure - desirable for motors operating
in wet condition such as in pumping
6. Service Factor

• indicates the maximum load that can be successfully carried

by the motor if it is to operate continuously and remain
within a safe temperature range
7. Noise
• if noise levels are of concern, motors equipped with plain
bearings and specially ventilated systems are available
• the type of bearing is either sleeve bearing or ball bearing
Motor Nameplate
• the motor nameplate carries a good deal of essential information
about the motor
• refer to it when you specify, buy, install, replace, operate, and repair
motors
Motor Nameplate
Name of Manufacturer
- usually the brand of the electric motor and can be an indication of the
quality of the product
Model name or number
- accurately describes the product
Frame Designation
- the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association) designation for
frame design for interchangeability between motors from different
manufacturers
- shaft height in inches for integral horsepower motor may be obtained by
dividing the first two number of the frame size by 4
- shaft height in inches for fractional horsepower is obtained by dividing the
frame size by 16
Motor Nameplate
Power or Horsepower
- full-load wattage or horsepower rating for output power
Motor Code
- letter designating starting current requirement
Cycles or Hertz
- frequency of the electrical source to be used (50 or 60 Hz)
Phase
- number of phases of the source (single phase or three phase)
Revolutions per Minute
- rated speed of rotation of the motor at full-load
Thermal Protection
- indicates if built-in overload protection is provided
Motor Nameplate
Voltage
- voltage at which the motor is designed to operate
Amperes
- rated current at full-load which varies with voltage used
Ambient Temperature or Temperature Rise
- maximum environmental temperature at which the motor should operate,
or temperature rise of the motor above ambient at full-load
Duty
- duty rating (continuous or intermittent)
Service Factor
- amount of overload the motor can tolerate continuously at rated voltage
and frequency
Motor Nameplate
Insulation Class
- a designation of winding insulation generally used only for rewinding
Bearings
- identification of bearings for replacement purposes (sleeve or ball)
Power Factor
- power factor at full-load appears on some recently manufactured
motors
Efficiency
- NEMA nominal efficiency of the motor
Motor Special Features
1. may be rewired to change its
input voltage from 110 to 220
V or vice versa

2. may be rewired to change the

direction of rotation of the rotor
from clockwise to counter
clockwise or vice versa
General Rules for determining motor sizes
1. Consult the manufacturer of the
equipment
2. If the equipment can be successfully
operated by hand, a ¼ hp motor will
do
3. If an electric motor is to replace an
engine, provided that the speed and
other load factors remain the same,
select the size equally or slightly
greater than (2/3 x engine hp)
Measurement of Motor Characteristics
• by measuring the mechanical output
of a motor and the electrical input to
the motor under different load
conditions, data can be developed to
show the characteristics of the motor
• mechanical output can be measured
either with a dynamometer or prony
brake test apparatus
• electrical input can be measured by
voltmeter, ammeter, and wattmeter
Simple prony brake apparatus
Electrical instrumentation
For measurement of power input to a single-phase motor
Measurement of Motor Characteristics
From the prony brake test, torque and output power can be calculated:

From the instrumentation used for electrical measurement, efficiency

and power factor can be calculated:
Measurement of Motor Characteristics
• in units of horsepower, output power is expressed as:

• in units of watts, output power is expressed as:

Wire sizing for motor
• motors performs best at rated voltages, therefore wires must be sized
to avoid voltage drop (allowable voltage drop is ≤ 2%)
• branch circuit conductors to individual motors should be selected to
carry 125% of full-load current of the motor to allow for a certain
degree of overload
• have made a tremendous contribution towards mechanizing and
automating many agricultural and food processing operations
• better accuracy and reliability are obtained
• can safely and accurately control equipment
• well-suited to work with computer-controlled systems
Generators for Farm Use
• a machine that converts one form of energy in
to another, specifically mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
• Common applications include powering pivot
irrigation systems, modern dairy refrigeration
systems, farm pumps and lighting.
• The growth of intensive high volume confined
production farms, particularly for poultry and
hogs, has made standby generator systems
critical. Even a brief power loss can cause
catastrophic consequences for confined
livestock.
Agricultural Applications
Poultry – Mass production of chickens for food and egg production uses
intensive, high volume methods.
• Chickens in large buildings are kept in highly dense populations.
Adequate ventilation is critical to keep the birds healthy. Poultry
house ventilation systems rely on many electric fans. Should the
power be lost to the ventilation fans, heat from the birds and
ammonia gas emanating from chicken manure will quickly suffocate
the densely packed bird population.
• Chicks will not survive during the cold winters without heat 24/7.
Poultry farmers usually have a contractual commitment to deliver a
level of quality eggs or meat. Poultry houses will be equipped with
standby generator sets when utility power is available as a primary
source.
Agricultural Applications
Livestock – Much of the meat we consume today is produced in
facilities designed for intensive feeding of cattle in densely populated
open-air feedlots and hogs in confinement houses.
• Both use equipment powered by electric motors to provide reliable
sources of feed and water. Confinement houses also require
electrically powered ventilation and temperature control systems to
keep animals healthy.
• As in poultry houses, any interruption in power can be lethal. And
again, alternators must be sized correctly so that electric motors can
handle high in-rush currents on starting.
Agricultural Applications
Irrigation – Many linear drive and center pivot systems rely on 10 to 40
kW diesel generators to power the system’s drive motors and pumps.
• Larger generator sets are used to power electric pumps that pull
water from the aquifer or other water source.
• This application requires a high percentage electric motor load.
Permanent magnet generators (PMG) excitation is used to enhance
reliable starting.
• Specifying the correctly sized alternator on a generator set will ensure
the best starting capability and avoid the need for an oversized
engine.
Agricultural Applications
Aquaculture – Much of the fresh water fish we consume is raised in
ponds stocked with large populations of fish.
• To avoid suffocating these densely populated fish, the water must be
continually aerated. Aerators that are used on catfish and other fish
farms inject oxygen into the ponds either by shooting a column of
water into the air from a pump or by paddle wheel aerators that beat
the surface water to increase oxygen transfer.
• Both applications use mechanical or electrically driven pump motors.
General Specifications
• Air Filtration – Intake air is frequently laden with dirt, chaff and other wind borne
particulates. It should be equipped with heavy duty air cleaners and alarms
which is can be audible or remote, if daily checking is not practical.
• Enclosure – If installations will be outside near the equipment or facility being
powered, the generator set system should be installed in a weather-protected
enclosure.
• Fuel – The system will use diesel, gasoline or LPG fuel. Diesel is the most
frequent choice for applications such as pivot irrigation systems that run for
extended periods because those engines are more durable in continuous
operation and allow longer intervals between servicing.
• Alternator – Many farm applications have a high motor load coefficient that
results in a high starting kVA. Also, certain applications have a higher single phase
motor load than other applications. It is a must to calculate the phase loading
and starting kVA. Frequently an oversized alternator will be specified to manage
the starting load. Controls – Control panels should be designed for operating in
damp conditions using stainless steel enclosures with sealed doors and entry
ports.
General Specifications
• Extended Operation Between Service – Generator sets installed to
power irrigation pumps and motorized pivot irrigation systems
frequently are required to run unattended for long intervals. The
engines should be equipped with lubricating oil make-up systems to
extend the service interval between oil changes and automatically top
up the engine oil.
• Power Rating –A prime power rating means the generator have been
rated to run continuously on full load and with 10% overload
permitted for one hour in any 12-hour period of consecutive
operation. A prime rating is usually for an application where the
generator set is the primary power source. If the set is a secondary
power source, the unit may be assigned a standby rating that has no
facility for overload.
Farm Electric System
A network of electrical components deployed to supply, transfer, and
use electric power in farms.
• An example of an electric power system is the grid that provides
power to an extended area. An electrical grid power system can be
broadly divided into the generators that supply the power,
the transmission system that carries the power from the generating
centers to the load centers, and the distribution system that feeds the
power to nearby homes and industries.
• Smaller power systems (sub-systems) are found in industry (farm),
commercial buildings (administration building or offices) and homes
(farm dwellings).
Illustration
House
The Farm is a system
which is composed of
four sub-systems.

Poultry The Poultry House

Feedmill Farm House
Module 1 Module 1 is a system
which is connected to the
farm electrical system.
Poultry
House
Module 2
PAES on Electrification
PAES 419: 2000 Agricultural Structures – Warehouse for Bagged
Storage of Grains
4.6 Illuminations
4.6.1 There should be provisions for sky lightings.
4.6.2 Illuminations should be sufficient that lights shall not be too
bright or too dim. Artificial lighting by fluorescent lamp is preferable for
the interior of the warehouse.
4.6.3 The minimum requirement for illumination is 3 watts per square
meter.
PAES on Electrification
PAES 419: 2000 Agricultural Structures – Warehouse for Bagged
Storage of Grains

4.7 Electrical works

Receptacles for transporting equipment and wire distribution for
electric fans shall be provided. If possible, conduit tubes shall be used.
Electrical works should conform with the National Electrical Code.
Reference Standards
• ASAE EP 329.3 (R2018) Single-Phase Rural Distribution Service for Motors
and Phase Converters
• ASAE EP 329.3 (R2015) Safety for Electrically Heated Waterers
• ASAE EP 344.4 (JAN2014) Lighting Systems for Agricultural Facilities
• ASAE EP 566.2 (R2016) Guidelines for Selection of Energy Efficient
Agricultural Ventilation Fans
• ASAE EP 568.1 (MAR2017) Installation of Electric Fence Controllers
• ANSI/ASAE S362.2 (R2014) Wiring and Equipment for Electretically Driven
or Controlled Irrigation Machines
• ANSI/ASAE S397.4 (NOV2013) Electrical Service and Equipment for
Irrigation
• ANSI/ASAE S401.2 (R2017) Guidelines for Use of Thermal Insulations in
Agricultural Buildings
Reference Standards/Code
• Philippine Electrical Code – crafted by the Institute of Integrated
Electrical Engineers (IIEE)
Recommended illumination for poultry farm
Recommended illumination for general areas
associated with dairy and poultry facilities
Recommended illumination for residences
Recommended illumination for dairy farm
ASAE Standard Reference

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