VFDs can help optimize energy use by controlling the speed of electric motors, reducing the amount of energy needed to run the equipment.
Overview
By reducing the amount of energy used, VFDs can help decrease the carbon footprint of dairy operations.
Reference: NRCS Practice Standard: Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation (374) – Newtrient
Environmental Impact
- Reduced energy costs
- Improved energy efficiencies
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Estimated Cost
VSD > 5 Horsepower
Scenario Unit: Horsepower
Scenario Typical Size: 50
Total Cost/Unit: $147.11/HP
VSD < 5 Horsepower
Scenario Unit: Horsepower
Scenario Typical Size: 5
Total Cost/Unit: $142.94/HP
References: NRCS Practice Standard and Scenarios: CPS 374 Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation; Scenario 5 – Variable Speed Drive, Greater than 5 Horsepower and Scenario 117 – Variable Speed Drive, Less Than or Equal to 5 Horsepower
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-11/fy25-wa-scenarios.pdf, p. 474 and 486.
Financial Considerations
Cost Savings: Variable speed drives can be installed on various pieces of farm operations, such as water pumps, fans and compressors, lowering the overall electric costs for the farm.
Timeline
Short
Dependency / Prerequisite
Prerequisite:
Ensure that equipment can operate with a VSD. Encouraged to have an on-farm energy audit to determine that energy use can be reduced with the use of a VSD.