Changes in Cotton Gin Energy Use Over the Past 50 Years

Data from recent audits and monitoring studies were compared to similar data published nearly fifty years ago, by region and across the U.S., for energy consumption in total and for each of ten processing or materials-handling functions.

Electrical energy consumed per unit of cotton processed decreased by from 19% to 34% even as gin processing rates have gone up, emissions regulations have become more strict and bale press density has nearly doubled.

Replacing human labor with electric motors has not increased energy consumption because of gains in efficiency.  US ginners continue to do a fine job.