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High-Efficiency Compressors

alternative practice names:

Scroll Compressors

Compressors, along with the evaporator and condenser, are important components of the milk cooling system on a dairy farm. They are typically attached to the bulk tank and compress the refrigerant in the cooling system while the evaporator extracts heat from the milk and the condenser removes heat from the refrigerant. 


Many bulk tank systems are installed with less energy-efficient reciprocating piston compressors. Replacing the reciprocating compressors with high-efficiency scroll compressors can reduce milk cooling electricity demand by 20% (Dhavale, 2024). High-efficiency compressors can also be less noisy and have lower maintenance requirements than reciprocating compressors.

When used, in what regions in the U.S. is the practice found: 

Northwest, West, Upper Midwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast

FARM SIZE 

When used, typically found on farms of the following sizes:

All Sizes

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Practice Benefits 

Improved profitability: The main benefit of installing high efficiency compressors is a reduction in electricity costs. Scroll compressors have fewer moving parts and their design results in lower noise levels and less maintenance than reciprocating compressors.

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Implementation Insights

Site-specific or Farm-specific requirements 

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  • Bulk tank cooling system: Any dairy farm that uses reciprocating compressors on a bulk tank is usually a good candidate for installing high-efficiency scroll compressors to replace them. 

  • Power source: High-efficiency compressors are compatible with both single-phase and three-phase electricity.

Required Capital Expenditures (CapEx)

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  • High-efficiency compressor: The primary expense of this practice is purchasing the high-efficiency compressor itself, along with the labor required to install it. It is critical to work with an experienced milk cooling equipment vendor to ensure that high-efficiency compressor is properly sized for the volume of milk being cooled each day.

Required Operational Expenditures (OpEx)

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  • Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance costs for scroll compressors are generally low because they have few moving parts and a high degree of reliability. Scroll compressors do not require oil for lubrication, but they do require basic maintenance including replacing inlet filters and cleaning the compressor fins periodically. Routine maintenance of high-efficiency compressors can be conducted in-house following manufacturer recommendations.

Implementation Considerations

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  • Power supply: There are no special requirements in terms of electricity service or dairy farm size. Scroll compressors are commonly available in sizes up to 10 horsepower. 

  • Installation support: Whether compressors are being installed as part of a new construction project or replacing old compressors, it is critical to work with an experienced vendor or refrigeration expert to properly size the compressors for the volume of milk being cooled daily. Multiple scroll compressors may be necessary to meet the cooling demands of a large dairy farm. Scroll compressors have higher reliability and lower maintenance requirements versus reciprocating compressors. When selecting a scroll compressor, it is recommended to select a model with the highest energy efficiency ratio (EER), of at least 10.5; higher EER ratings indicate higher efficiency and lower energy costs to operate the compressor.

Financial Considerations and Revenue Streams

FEDERAL COST-SHARE AND CONSERVATION FUNDING

Funding is available for this practice through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) On-Farm Energy Initiative.

Notes:

  • An Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), or other qualifying energy audit, needs to be completed before applying for EQIP assistance.

  • Check with the local NRCS office on payment rates and practice requirements relevant to your location.


The USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) also offers competitive grants and loan guarantees for installing energy efficiency projects.


OTHER CONSERVATION FUNDING

Incentives and rebates for high-efficiency scroll compressors are sometimes available through the farm’s electric utility company. Utility rebate programs usually pay rebates based on a per-horsepower or pound of milk basis, and often require a minimum energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating for the compressor.

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Environmental Impacts

REDUCES FARM GREENHOUSE GAS FOOTPRINT

Improving energy use efficiency reduces a farm's greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. Since energy production typically involves processes that emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, cutting energy use directly lowers the GHG footprint of the farm.

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Alignment with FARM Program

FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) V2-V3 Alignment

FARM ES captures a farm's energy usage and calculates the associated GHG emissions based on regional energy production and transmission averages. Any practice that reduces farm energy consumption will directly lower the farm's GHG footprint. The reduction in GHG emissions is particularly pronounced in regions where a larger proportion of energy is derived from coal, natural gas, or other fossil fuel sources, as these energy types have higher carbon footprints compared to renewable energy sources.

Contents

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We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights. 

We're always eager to update the website with the latest research, implementation insights, financial case studies, and emerging practices. Use the link above to share your insights. 

Contents

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Practice Overview

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Practical Insights.png
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Research Results.png
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Compressors, along with the evaporator and condenser, are important components of the milk cooling system on a dairy farm. They are typically attached to the bulk tank and compress the refrigerant in the cooling system while the evaporator extracts heat from the milk and the condenser removes heat from the refrigerant. 


Many bulk tank systems are installed with less energy-efficient reciprocating piston compressors. Replacing the reciprocating compressors with high-efficiency scroll compressors can reduce milk cooling electricity demand by 20% (Dhavale, 2024). High-efficiency compressors can also be less noisy and have lower maintenance requirements than reciprocating compressors.

Practices and technologies

High-Efficiency Compressors

alternative practice name:

Scroll Compressors