Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Odor detection and remediation continues as an important research area for both agricultural and non-farm public audiences. Results from three odor projects have provided useful information for swine farm siting, neighbor relations, public perception, and for evaluation of odor plumes and dispersion. In two studies, third party evaluation of odor from neighboring farms was used to evaluate odor events and mitigation strategies. A USDA IFAFS-funded research project on-farm data collection was completed and data analysis is in final phases. Project scope included field evaluation of 8 commercial poultry houses in PA (along with 12 other houses in KY and IA) with some houses demonstrating emission-reduction strategies. Ammonia level was determined using an electrochemical sensor system developed by the project investigators. Ventilation rate was estimated by monitoring building static pressure difference and runtime of the ventilation fans whose airflow rates were
determined in situ with a portable anemometer array. Similar emissions were seen from similar poultry housing situations across the states. More frequent manure removal resulted in lower house emissions (manure storage emissions would be impacted). Project website contains more information: www.bae.uky.edu/IFAFS. A USDA-funded project is evaluating dietary strategies for reducing ammonia emissions from dairy farms. Project accomplishments include development of a highly accurate ammonia instrumentation system for both bench-top relative comparisons of diet changes and for in-barn emission estimates. Flux chamber designs are being evaluated for gas emission estimates. A PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) funded project finished in mid-2004 demonstrating the effectiveness of constructed wetlands in odor reduction. The wetland system did significantly reduce odor of dilute, filtered swine wastewater as determined by a trained human odor panel. Manure filtration was necessary to minimize
wetland clogging and dilution was to levels commonly encountered in commercial swine facilities. Companion projects analyzed microbial communities within the wetland system (PDA funded), alternative electron acceptors for odor reduction, and nitrogen mass balance of wetland process (ABE Honor Thesis). Another completed project, funded by PDA, documented respirable and total particulate matter levels in horse riding arenas. During times of high activity in the arena, trotting or cantering, dust levels approached those found in stable environments. During the entire time of arena use, when much of that time is spend standing or walking the horse, dust levels were well below those found in the horse stall environment.
Impacts
Odor reduction strategies have been implemented on commercial swine farms through a site assessment program initiated in 2000. To date, 154 sites have been evaluated. A survey conducted in 2003 revealed that 66% of participants felt the value of the program was high or very high. Of the producers who had constructed facilities, 75% had implemented or planned to implement the recommendations made during the site assessment. A comprehensive ammonia emissions database was developed for US broiler and laying hen facilities, some with abatement strategies. Published work presents effective strategy for accurate, on-farm data collection obtained in rugged poultry housing environments. Ammonia emissions instrumentation development has served other research at Penn State and been adopted by at least two other universities research teams. Odor reduction of constructed wetlands had been anecdotal but this completed project was the first to quantify odor. Key design parameters
were developed for successful wetland management for odor control. Bulrush tolerated much higher ammonia levels than shown in other research work. Odor reduction via ferric iron as an oxygen-alternative was documented. The horse riding arena dust project was the first known project to measure particulate levels. Methodology of dust collection was fraught with obstacles that were not mentioned and perhaps not accounted for in other studies of horse stable dust levels. The completed project has repeatable methods that have been transferred to another campus dust evaluation project.
Publications
- Liang, Y., Xin, H., Wheeler, E. F., Gates, R.S., Li, H., Zajaczkowski, J. S., Topper, P. A., Casey, K. D., Behrends, B. R., Burnham, D. J., and Zajaczkowski, F. J. 2005. Ammonia emissions from U.S. laying houses in Iowa and Pennsylvania. Transactions of the ASAE. 48(5):1927-1941.
- Gates, R. S., Xin, H., Liang, Y., Casey, K. D., and Wheeler, E. F. 2005. Method for measuring ammonia emissions from poultry houses. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 14:622-634.
- Li, H., Xin, H., Liang, Y., Gates, R. S., Wheeler, E. F., and Heber, A. J. 2005. Comparison of direct vs. indirect ventilation rate determination rates in layer barns using manure belts. Transactions of the ASAE. 48(1):367-372.
- Gates, R. S., Casey, K. D., Pescatore, A. J., Wheeler, E. F., and H. Xin. 2005. Assessing annual U.S. broiler house emissions. Paper #1292, Air and Waste Management Association 98th Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN. June 21-24. AWMA. 8 pp.
- Wheeler, E., Koenig, B., Harmon, J., Murhpy, P., and Freeman, D. 2005. Horse Facilities Handbook. MidWest Plan Service, Ames, IA. 232 pp.
- E. F. Wheeler, Diehl, N. K., Zajaczkowski, J. L., and Brown, D. 2005. Horse Riding Arena Dust Measurements. Proceedings of the Seventh International Livestock Environment Symposium. Beijing, China. ASAE. St. Joseph, MI. 171-178 pp.
- Wheeler, E. F., Topper, P. A., Graves, R. E., and Bruns, M.A. 2005. Odor reduction in swine wastewater constructed wetland. ASAE Meeting Paper No. 05-4065. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. 25 pp.
- Casey, K. D., Gates, R. S., Singh, A., Pescatore, A. J., Wheeler, E. F., Xin, H., and Liang, Y. 2005. The effect of litter management on ammonia emissions from U.S. broiler chicken houses. Paper #615, Air and Waste Management Association 98th Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN. June 21-24. AWMA. 8 pp.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
A USDA IFAFS-funded multi-state research project is completed, which included on-farm ammonia emission evaluation of 8 commercial poultry houses in PA (along with 12 other houses in KY and IA). Instrumentation development was a primary component of the project with successful design of relatively inexpensive ammonia detection using electrochemical sensors and accurate determination and monitoring of fan ventilation rates. There was high variability for ammonia emission rates among similar houses, even when on the same farm. Day to day variability (consecutive days) was less than house-to-house variability for the same period. The final project phase includes data analysis to better characterize emissions in terms of the manure management, flock characteristics, and house management. A USDA-funded project recently started (September) that is evaluating dietary strategies for reducing ammonia emissions from dairy farms. Current phase is in development of a highly
accurate ammonia instrumentation system for both bench-top relative comparisons of diet changes and for in-barn emission estimates. Flux chamber designs are being evaluated for gas emission estimates. A PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) funded project finished in mid-2004 demonstrating the effectiveness of constructed wetlands in odor reduction. The wetland system did significantly reduce odor of dilute, filtered swine wastewater as determined by a trained human odor panel. Manure filtration was necessary to minimize wetland clogging and dilution was to levels commonly encountered in commercial swine facilities. Companion projects analyzed microbial communities within the wetland system (PDA funded), alternative electron acceptors for odor reduction, and nitrogen mass balance of wetland process (ABE Honor Thesis). Another completed project, funded by PDA, documented respirable and total particulate matter levels in horse riding arenas. During times of high activity in the arena,
trotting or cantering, dust levels approached those found in stable environments. During the entire time of arena use, when much of that time is spend standing or walking the horse, dust levels were well below those found in the horse stall environment. Odor detection and remediation continues as an important research area for both agricultural and non-farm public audiences. Results from three odor projects have provided useful information for swine farm siting, neighbor relations, public perception, and for evaluation of odor plumes and dispersion. In two studies, third party evaluation of odor from neighboring farms was used to evaluate odor events and mitigation strategies.
Impacts
The ammonia emissions baseline data from various poultry houses can be used on-farm for comparison among emissions abatement strategies. Published work documents effective strategy for accurate on-farm data collection in rugged poultry/livestock housing environments. Ammonia instrumentation development has served other research at Penn State and has been adopted by at least two other universities research teams for ammonia emissions monitoring. The odor reduction potential of constructed wetlands had been anecdotal observation but this completed project was the first to quantify odor. Key design parameters were developed for successful wetland management for odor control. Wetland plants are known to provide oxygen for odor reduction. The bulrush plants tolerated much higher ammonia levels than other research work has documented. Odor reduction via ferric iron as an alternative to oxygen was successfully documented. The horse riding arena dust project was the first
known project to document particulate levels in that environment. Methodology of dust collection was fraught with obstacles that were not mentioned and perhaps not accounted for in other studies of horse stable dust levels. The completed project has repeatable methods that have been transferred to another campus dust evaluation project. Odor reduction strategies have been implemented on commercial swine farms. Third-party evaluation of proposed sites for swine operations and estimation of the risk of odor conflict has resulted in improved site design.
Publications
- Casey, K. D., Gates, R. S., Wheeler, E. F., Xin, H., Zajaczkowski, J. L., Topper, P. A., and Liang, Y. 2004. Ammonia Emissions from Kentucky Broiler Houses during Winter, Spring and Summer. A&WMA's 97th Annual Conference & Exhibition: Sustainable Development: Gearing Up for the Challenge. Paper No. 629; CD ROM. Pittsburgh, PA: A&WMA. 8 pp on CD.
- Gates, R. S., Xin, H., Casey, K. D., Liang, Y., and Wheeler, E. F. 2004. Methods for Measuring Ammonia Emission from Poultry Houses. J. Appl. Poultry Res. (Accepted for publication).
- Gates, R. S., Casey, K. D., Xin, H., Wheeler, E. F., and Simons, J. D. 2004. Fan assessment and numeration system (FANS) design and calibration specifications. Transactions of the ASAE: 47(5):1709-1715.
- Kephart, K. B. 2004. Production and Storage Strategies for Controlling Ammonia Emissions. Mid Atlantic Agricultural Ammonia Forum. Chesapeake College, Wye, MD. Proceedings available at http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/waterqual/publications/Ammonia pct 20Forum/ammoniawyemills.html
- Liang, Y., Xin, H., Wheeler, E. F., Gates, R. S., Li, H., Zajaczkowski, J. S., Topper, P., and Casey, K. D. 2004. Ammonia Emissions from U.S. Layer Houses. ASAE/CSAE Meeting Paper No. 04-4104. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. 20 pp.
- Li, H., Xin, H., Liang, Y., Gates, R. S., Wheeler, E. F., and Heber, A. J. 2004. Comparison of Direct vs. Indirect Ventilation Rate Determination for Manure Belt Laying Hen Houses. ASAE/CSAE Meeting Paper No. 04-4177. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. 11 pp.
- Li, H., Xin, H., Liang, Y., Gates, R. S., and Wheeler, E. F. 2004. Determination of Ventilation Rates for a Manure-Belt Laying Hen Housing Using C02 Balance. Mid-Central ASAE Conference Paper No. MC04-201. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. 12 pp.
- Li, H., Xin, H., Liang, Y., Gates, R. S., Wheeler, E. F., and Heber, A. J. 2004. Evaluation of CO2 balance-based determination of building ventilation rate for laying hen houses using manure belt. Transactions of the ASAE (Accepted for publication)
- Wheeler, E. F., Casey, K. D., Gates, R. S., Zajaczkowski, J. L., Topper, P. A., Xin, H., Liang, Y., and Brown, D. 2004. Seasonal ammonia emission variation among twelve U.S. broiler houses. ASAE/CSAE Meeting Paper No. 04-4105. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI. 24 pp.
- Wheeler, E. F., Xin, H., Gates, R. S., Liang, Y., Casey, K. D., Zajaczkowski, J. L, and Topper, P. A. 2004. Air quality from layers, turkeys and broilers. Proceedings 2004 National Poultry Waste Management Symposium. Editors, J. B. Hess and K. D. Roberson. October 24-26. pp. 121-126.
- Wheeler, E. F., Xin, H., Gates, R. S., Liang, Y., Casey, K. D., Zajaczkowski, J. L., and Topper, A. P. 2004. Update on air emission numbers: ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and particulates. In: Proceedings, North Atlantic Poultry Health and Management Conference, May 11-12. Grantville, PA. pp 4-8.
- Wheeler, E. F., Xin, H., Gates, R. S., Casey, K. D., Zajaczkowski, J. S., Topper, P. A., Liang, Y., and Brown, D. 2004. Comparison of methods to estimate ventilation rate in commercial broiler houses. In: Book of Abstracts, AgEng Leuven 2004, Engineering the Future. Leuven, Belgium, September 12-16. Full paper on conference CD. pp 548-549.
- Xin, H., Liang, Y., Gates, R. S., and Wheeler, E. F. 2004 Ammonia Emission from Iowa Layer Houses. Proceedings of the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, St. Paul, MN. March 16-18, 2004, Buffalo, MN. Midwest Poultry Federation. 7 pp.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The potential for using biomass in various forms as a renewable source of energy has been studied. The primary focus is on the direct combustion of shelled corn as a renewable fuel for space heating and water heating. The use of other renewable energy sources is under study to identify the circumstances when the renewable sources are economically advantageous. An active web site is being updated and maintained to address the many issues associated with burning shelled corn as a renewable fuel. The web site address is http://BurnCorn.cas.psu.edu. The use of on-site generation systems for peak shaving in addition to back-up power is being investigated. The true costs of generation and the avoided costs for electricity from the utility grid are being balanced to identify the optimal operation practices for on-site generation systems. Studies conducted conclude that the on-site generators cannot generate electricity as cheaply as the utility systems; however, other costs
are avoided with on-site generation. Evaporative cooling is being further investigated for its role in effectively increasing animal comfort and production by relieving heat stress effects. Historic weather data were analyzed to document the improvements in animal production potential with effective evaporative cooling systems for the northern climates. Operational characteristics for evaporative cooling systems for dairy and poultry production facilities are being defined and developed. The deregulation of electricity generation provides consumers with additional opportunities for optimizing the use of electricity and other heating fuels. Investigations continue to fully document and define the available opportunities for energy procurement, demand-side management (load control), energy conservation, and adoption of new technologies. Third-party evaluations of proposed sites for swine operations and estimation of the risk of odor conflict were continued. Evaluations were performed on
23 proposed swine facility sites and written evaluations were given to the participants. Previous participants (n=58) of the evaluations were surveyed and the responses are being evaluated. Characterization of odor dispersion from a duck farm continued with the objective of characterizing odor dispersion from the farm site on which liquid manure is irrigated five days per week throughout the year. Company personnel evaluated the presence of odor once or twice per day at four observation sites (roughly north, south, east, and west) around the perimeter of the farm operation. Weather data (temperature, wind speed and direction) were collected on-site during July and August. Preliminary observations are that: 1) during clear, sunny days, odor plumes do not appear to travel near the ground more than about 300-450 meters. On some days, particularly those warmer than 18 C degrees, the plume may travel near the ground significantly less than 300 meters, and 2) it is extremely difficult to
detect any odor beyond 600 meters, under any weather conditions.
Impacts
The web site addressing the use of shelled corn as a renewable fuel is accessed by many throughout the U. S. and Canada based on the inquiries received. The web site is being linked by numerous organizations and serves as a valuable resource for an unbiased assessment of the benefits and limitations of burning shelled corn as a renewable fuel. The savings associated with on-site generation of electricity have been documented for an individual producer to be significant only if the generation system is being used for peak-shaving. The use of the generator has shown that the avoided costs for electricity from the utility grid often exceeds 20 cents per kWh during afternoon hours in the summer and during some other peak periods throughout the year. It has been documented that all consumers throughout Pennsylvania have saved a total of $5 billion dollars since 1996 as a result of the deregulation of electricity generation. Many customers have saved, but opportunities for
additional savings abound. The research conducted and the educational programs developed to enable consumers to take advantage of the benefits of deregulation have proven successful. Odor dispersions from confined animal feeding operations have been evaluated and it has been determined that dispersions are influenced by weather conditions and the zones of odor concentrations have been defined.
Publications
- Buffington, D. E. 2003. Understanding your monthly electricity bill. Mushroom News 51(1): 18-20.
- Buffington, D. E. 2003. How much does an extra kilowatt-hour of electricity cost? Mushroom News 51(3):14-15.
- Buffington, D. E. 2003. Data-mining your energy bills. Mushroom News 51(10):12-15.
- Mikesell, R E., Kephart, K. B., and Abdalla, C. W. 2003. Overview of social issues related to the swine industry. University of Illinois Pork Industry Conference. Swine Odor and Manure Management. December 11-12, 2003. Champaign, IL, p. 1-11.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The progress this year continues in defining and developing energy strategies for optimizing the use of energy in order to increase profitability and net cash flow of agricultural production and processing facilities. Emphasis was also placed on the use of renewable energy sources to reduce the U. S. dependency on foreign sources of energy and to find more economical sources of energy. Opportunities for using shelled corn for direct combustion were defined and disseminated. Burning shelled corn is a major portion of the information provided on the web site (http://energy.cas.psu.edu) that was developed and is being maintained to promote energy strategies and to provide economic comparisons of various traditional and non-traditional energy sources. Opportunities of using Bio-Diesel (derived primarily from soybeans) were studied and the limitations of using Soy-Diesel (crude soybean oil used directly as a fuel supplement) were identified. Feasibility of using ethanol
(derived from shelled corn) as a renewable fuel source was studied, especially with respect to siting an ethanol plant in a state that is already a net importer of shelled corn. The potential of using evaporative cooling systems in Pennsylvania and other locations throughout the world was evaluated using hourly climatic data. The production impacts of heat stress on domestic food producing animals were evaluated along with the reductions in production losses if effective evaporative cooling systems were being used. Evaluation of proposed sites for swine operations was based on assessing the potential for odor-related complaints. The swine industry is provided with cost-free site evaluations. Criteria for evaluation include: 1) nature of odor problems; 2) neighbor location; 3) topography and vegetation; 4) physical size and orientation; 5) animal inventory; 6) type of manure storage; 7) manure handling and application system; 8) personal factors; and 9) special technologies. Of the 28
sites evaluated, the following recommendations were made: manure injection or incorporation, re-orient or move the building on existing property, visit and notify neighbors, reduce animal inventory, consider using special technology, or abandon the project. Odor dispersion is being characterized from a duck farm where liquid manure is irrigated 5 days per week throughout the year on one of nine spray fields. Company personnel evaluate the presence of odor twice per day at four observation sites around the perimeter of the farm operation. Temperature, wind speed and direction, and weather conditions are recorded and used to determine if wind direction at a given observation time will carry odor from a given spray field to one of the observation sites. The presence or absence of odor at an observation site is evaluated in terms of distance and direction from the spray field and existing weather conditions.
Impacts
As energy prices rise and as the availability of our energy needs in the future becomes more uncertain, it is essential to develop and implement energy strategies to use energy more efficiently and more economically. In addition, it is essential to explore all opportunities for developing new energy streams from renewable agricultural crops and crop residues. The benefits of using more home-grown energy include reducing our nation's dependency on foreign sources of energy, increasing economic development activity in rural areas, and decreasing the environmental concerns associated with the acquisition, processing, transport, and combustion of fossil fuels. Various approaches for using energy more efficiently were explored with emphasis on evaporative cooling systems, selection of electric motors, bio-fuels, and modifications to buildings. Results were communicated through various means including a web site, extension fact sheets, trade journals, presentations, and
newsletters. Of the 28 sites evaluated as potential swine facilities, six are in operation (with no apparent conflict), 10 projects did not proceed, and 12 are in the permit process. Of those in operation or in the permit process, 100% of those asked heeded our recommendation to move the site, but only one in five agreed to reduce the size of the operation.
Publications
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. Energy strategies to increase profitability. Mushroom News 50(1): 4-7.
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. Increasing profitability of mushroom production. Mushroom School Journal (Russia). 2 pp.
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. Motor economics. Dairy Digest (February). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA., p. 3-4.
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. Single-phase or three-phase electrical power for the dairy farm. Dairy Digest (June). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA., p. 2-3.
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. Apply for liquid fuels tax refund. Dairy Digest (June). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA., p. 5.
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. Hot June and July of 2002. Dairy Digest (August). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA., p. 2.
- Buffington, D. E. 2002. The hot summer of 2002. Dairy Digest (October). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA., p. 2.
- Mikesell, R. E. and Kephart, K. B. 2002. Third-party evaluation of proposed sites for swine operations and estimation of the risk of odor conflict. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting. July 21-25, 2002. Quebec City, Canada. 1 p.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Using optimal amounts of energy to increase net cash flow and profitability continues to be a major focus of this research project. An Energy Selector software program was developed to enable users to easily compare the economics of utilizing one energy form or another. The list of energy forms being compared was expanded and is now eight. An Energy Strategies web site was developed and continually updated that includes the Energy Selector as well as numerous other information sheets that were developed to address burning shelled corn as a fuel. Evaluation of alternatives for handling crude soybean oil was conducted. Alternatives were identified. Evaluation included the assessment of a new alternative being promoted of supplementing diesel fuel with crude soybean oil along with an additive. Problems were identified with using soybean oil in this manner rather than the transesterification of the oil into biodiesel. Continuing analyses are being performed of the energy
benefits of producing ethanol from shelled corn, ethanol from cellulosic materials, and biodiesel from soybeans. The analyses are more complex when considering that Pennsylvania is a net importer of shelled corn and also considering the true costs associated with removing cellulosic materials from the land to produce ethanol. Increasing the energy efficiency of many functions on farms and in food processing plants is a continuing emphasis area. Information is being disseminated only on those energy efficiency improvements that are cost-effective and /or reduce dependency on imports of foreign oil. Results of research progress are disseminated in various media forms including newsletters, press releases, web site, radio interviews, and correspondence.
Impacts
Results of the research accomplishments enable agricultural producers and food processors to increase net cash flow and profitability through the optimal use of energy. In addition, the research accomplishments enable the general public to lower expenses for heating and cooling their residences without sacrificing comfort and health. The accomplishments enable the government to decrease dependency on foreign sources of fuel.
Publications
- Buffington, D. E. 2001. Who is your electricity supplier? Dairy Digest (February). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA, pg 1.
- Buffington, D. E. 2001. California-style blackouts in Pennsylvania? Dairy Digest (May). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA, pg 2-3.
- Buffington, D. E. 2001. It's 5 p.m.; Do you know where your shadow is? Dairy Digest (July). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA, pg. 5.
- Buffington, D. E. 2001. Utilizing soybean oil. Dairy Digest (September). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA, pg. 2.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
One aspect of the project focused on odor reduction technologies for swine operations. Floating bio-filters (chopped straw) for outdoor manure storages and bio-filtration of exhaust ventilation air appear to have some potential as odor abatement technologies. However, dust filtration of exhaust ventilation air appears to be ineffective. Both distance and direction affected perceived odor intensity by neighbors of swine operations. Odor perceptions were also affected by a host of personal factors of the neighbors. Neighbors of swine operations also cited a higher incidence of human health symptoms. Large-scale livestock operations were perceived by neighbors as increasing the incidences of certain health symptoms and negatively impacting their lifestyles. The results underscore the need to quickly identify effective solutions to manure odors, and for swine producers to maintain good community relations until technology improves. Another aspect of this project involved
analyses of various alternatives for optimizing energy use to increase profitability while minimizing negative impacts on air quality and animal comfort. Analyses of the heats of combustion of various fossil fuels as well as shelled corn and firewood were conducted. Results were used to develop decision-aides for making cost-effectiveness comparisons of burning various fuels for heating. Other analyses resulted in developing spreadsheets for use when selecting suppliers of electricity in the deregulated environment. These spreadsheets are being developed into interactive web pages for greater usefulness. Criteria were identified for the selection, operation, and maintenance of stand-by generation systems needed for intensive animal production facilities. Safety criteria associated with the use of stand-by generation systems were also identified. Shading patterns resulting from buildings as well as trees and shrubs were developed using spreadsheet simulations. These simulations are
particularly effective for evaluating proper placement of buildings and landscaping materials for energy conservation benefits and for optimizing desired shading patterns.
Impacts
The research demonstrated that biofiltration of air exhausted from swine facilities has the potential to reduce odor intensities perceived by nearby neighbors. Continuing research focuses upon modifying the design of biofilters and to evaluate the effectiveness of the new designs. Other research will focus upon the feasibility of swine manure dehydration, which could significantly reduce the odors associated with manure storage and application. The research results underscore the need to quickly identify effective solutions to manure odors, and for swine producers to maintain good community relations until the appropriate technological solutions can be implemented. As energy prices continue to rise, there is an increasing demand for developing and implementing energy strategies for dealing with high cost energy. This reported research has focused upon the four strategies of energy demand management, energy conservation, procurement of energy sources, and new
technologies for on-site production of energy. Research on energy conservation focuses upon those conserving techniques that make sense economically. Simulations of landscaping materials for enhancing quality of life and economics of our homes are being developed. The simulations will be used to develop strategies for utilizing solar and wind energy as well as for maximizing the benefits of landscaping materials.
Publications
- Buffington, D. E. 2000. Selection, operation and safe use of electricity generators for mushroom producers. Mushroom News 48(1):8-10.
- Buffington, D. E. 2000. Energy prices on the rise. Mushroom News 48(3):10-11.
- Buffington, D. E. 2000. Opportunity to reduce cost of milk production. Dairy Digest (July). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA. p. 3.
- Buffington, D. E. 2000. File now for fuel tax refund. Dairy Digest (July). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA. p. 2.
- Buffington, D. E. 2000. Burn propane or shelled corn? Dairy Digest (December). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA. pp 2-3.
- Buffington, D. E. 2000. Y2K: Post mortem analysis. Dairy Digest (January). Dept. of Dairy and Animal Science, Penn State, Univ. Park, PA. p. 3.
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