Sponsored content
The agricultural sector is undergoing significant transformation, with a growing demand for energy-efficient and automated solutions. Modern farms increasingly depend on robust electrical infrastructure to support critical operations, such as irrigation systems, processing facilities, and storage units. As these operations expand, reliable and advanced electrical systems have become essential to ensure productivity, cost efficiency, and sustainability.
ElectroMechanica (EM) is a leader in providing tailored electrical solutions that enable farms to optimise efficiency, manage energy consumption, and achieve sustainable practices. By integrating cutting-edge motor control systems, real-time automation technologies, and energy management solutions, agricultural businesses can improve operations, minimise downtime, and reduce energy waste.
The need for smarter electrical systems in agriculture
Agricultural production depends heavily on a consistent power supply and efficient motor functionality. Without modern automation and energy management, farms often face significant challenges, including:
● Frequent operational disruptions caused by motor inefficiencies or failures.
● Elevated energy costs due to outdated systems and overconsumption.
● Limited monitoring capabilities, resulting in reactive rather than proactive maintenance.
● Environmental concerns stemming from inefficient resource utilisation and energy waste.
Upgrading to advanced electrical solutions addresses these issues directly, ensuring operational reliability while promoting long-term sustainability through optimised energy use and resource allocation.
Case study: Improving efficiency for a Christiana-based farm
A prominent large-scale farm in Christiana faced challenges with unreliable power supply, high operational costs, and an underperforming solar-powered cold room system. Despite having solar infrastructure in place, load-shedding forced the farm to rely on diesel generators, driving up costs and risking product loss due to temperature instability.
To resolve these challenges, the farm collaborated with EM and their system integrator, J&B Mechanical, who engineered the solution, to implement customised energy-efficient solutions tailored to their needs. The solutions included:
- Advanced Motor Control Systems: Replacing AC-driven components with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to optimise cold room compressor performance, reduce energy waste, and stabilise system operation.
- Automation and Real-Time Monitoring: Integrating Delta PLCs, CPU modules, HMIs, and temperature sensors for intelligent, remote-controlled energy management and cold storage monitoring.
- Energy Optimisation: Retrofitting and restrung solar panels to maximise DC power efficiency, supported by a hybrid control panel that prioritised solar power while allowing seamless switching between grid and generator supply.
Following the implementation of these solutions, the Christiana-based farm achieved notable results:
- A daily energy saving of 160.35 kWh, enabling uninterrupted cold room operation during load-shedding.
- Reduced generator dependency, significantly lowering diesel costs.
- Improved system performance, including a raised power factor from 0.94 to 0.99, reduced reactive power from 82.94 kVAR to 5.50 kVAR, and a drop in THDi from 20% to 10%, enhancing power quality and system reliability.
This solution not only delivered cost savings and operational improvements, but also positioned the farm for long-term energy sustainability.
Looking ahead: The future of smarter farming
As the agricultural industry continues to embrace precision farming and advanced automation, the adoption of intelligent electrical infrastructure is no longer optional—it is an imperative. Real-time monitoring, optimised energy usage, and intelligent motor control systems are key to ensuring resilience, competitiveness, and environmental responsibility.
EM remains committed to supporting farms as they transition to smarter, more efficient systems. By delivering innovative electrical and automation solutions, EM empowers agricultural operations to achieve higher productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced sustainability. Our expertise and commitment to excellence position us as a trusted partner for farms striving to meet the challenges of the future.
