Electrification of a Remote Rural Farm with Solar Energy-Contribution to the Development of Smart Farming

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Santos, AA (Author) Other; Pereira, F (Author) FEUP; da Silva, AF (Author) Other; Caetano, N (Author) Other; Felgueiras, C (Author) Other; Machado, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Energies

Vol. 16 No. 4

Final page: 7706

ISSN: 1996-1073

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-HQW

DOI: 10.3390/en16237706

Abstract (EN): Rural farms constitute a vital component of a country's agricultural landscape, traditionally reliant on energy installations known for their reliability yet notorious for their energy-intensive and inefficient characteristics. While the smart farm concept, integrating renewable energy sources and resource management technologies, has seen widespread adoption in domestic and industrial sectors, rural farms have been slower to embrace these innovations. This study presents a groundbreaking solution, deployed on a rural farm in Portugal, resulting in an impressive 83.24% reduction in energy consumption sourced from the grid. Notably, this achievement translates to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, aligning with the growing need for environmentally sustainable farming practices. The technical intricacies of this pioneering solution are comprehensively described and juxtaposed with other scientific case studies, offering valuable insights for replication. This initiative represents a vital first step towards the integration or combination of conventional farming with photovoltaic energy production, exemplified by agrivoltaic systems. In conclusion, this research showcases the potential for rural farms to significantly enhance energy efficiency and financial viability, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective agricultural sector. These findings serve as a model for similar endeavors, paving the way for a greener and more economically viable future for rural farming practices.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17