Renewable energy sources to achieve sustainability in a tropical dairy model

Abstract

With the objective of using renewable energy sources to achieve sustainability in a tropical dairy model, this research was carried out. From the data on the electricity consumption of the dairy, it was obtained that the electrical demand amounts to 68,0 kWh per day. A fixed dome biodigester was designed to treat the excreta generated. The total volume of the biodigester was 23,5 m³, with a biogas volume of 4,8 m³ that contributes to savings of 10,3 kWh. It was proposed to include a 200 L vacuum tube solar collector in the dairy, which could save 32,0 kWh per day. Subsequently, the inclusion of photovoltaic panels was analyzed to meet the energy needs that were not guaranteed with previous technologies. The installation of 21 panels that occupy an area of ​​34,23 m² is required. On the other hand, with the introduction of these technologies, it is evident that 14,22 Teq of CO²/year, 2,8 m³/d of CH₄ are no longer emitted into the atmosphere, consuming 6,22 Teq of oil/year and 0,0625 t/d of solid biofertilizer is produced. Regarding the investment variables, the net present value (NPV) is positive so it assumes that the investment is viable and is recovered within a period of two years. It is concluded that the proposal constitutes an alternative to achieve the sustainability model that integrates four elements: Good Governance, Environmental Integrity, Economic Resilience and Social Wellbeing, as well as the interrelationship between them.