Energy profile of a seed-processing plant

• Published in: Applied energy Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 227 - 234
• Main Authors: Narain, Maharaj, Singh, B.P.N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 1988; Elsevier
• Series: Applied Energy
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/0306-2619(88)90047-5

The energy profile of a typical seed-processing operation in India was analysed on the basis of information from one full year of operation. The information base for the analysis comprised of rated and actual capacities of the plant, operating hours each day, break-down and shut-down times, installed power, fuel-oil consumption rate for the drying operation and the seed and plant operating parameters. Analysis has shown that the specific consumption of electrical energy was 32·8, 50·6 and 87·3 kWh/ton of wheat, paddy or maize, respectively. Machines, while being operated with no load, consumed a major share of the supplied energy. The plant operated at about one-third of the rated capacity. This also resulted in increased energy consumptions. The fuel-oil consumption for each point reduction in moisture was independent of the grain type.