Energy Monitoring in Gins- 2011

Energy costs account for 27% of gins’ variable costs and are the second largest source of variable costs.  Previous studies of gin energy use have typically used instrument readings from a single point in time during the ginning season or utility bills throughout the season.  Consequently, variation in energy use or the responsible factors could not be determined.  For the second season, electrical energy use was monitored throughout the ginning season for several gins across the cotton belt.  In 2011, additional parameters were monitored to estimate fuel use for drying cotton.  Air flow was monitored in the first and second stage seed cotton drying and cleaning systems and in the humid air moisture restoration systems.  Temperatures were monitored at multiple points in these hot air lines.  Electricity use was determined in 2011 and compared to the 2010 results.  Dryer fuel use was also estimated for 2011.  Relationships between electricity use, fuel use, and processing rate were examined.