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

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  • Adriano A. Santos

    (CIDEM, School of Engineering (ISEP), Polytechnic of Porto (P.Porto), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
    INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Filipe Pereira

    (CIETI—Centre of Innovation on Engineering and Industrial Technology/IPP-ISEP, School of Engineering, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
    MEtRICs Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • António Ferreira da Silva

    (CIDEM, School of Engineering (ISEP), Polytechnic of Porto (P.Porto), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
    INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Nídia Caetano

    (CIETI—Centre of Innovation on Engineering and Industrial Technology/IPP-ISEP, School of Engineering, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
    LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Carlos Felgueiras

    (CIETI—Centre of Innovation on Engineering and Industrial Technology/IPP-ISEP, School of Engineering, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal)

  • José Machado

    (MEtRICs Research Center, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

Abstract

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 CO 2 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Adriano A. Santos & Filipe Pereira & António Ferreira da Silva & Nídia Caetano & Carlos Felgueiras & José Machado, 2023. "Electrification of a Remote Rural Farm with Solar Energy—Contribution to the Development of Smart Farming," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:23:p:7706-:d:1285153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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