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Energy, Exergy, and Sustainability Analyses of the Agricultural Sector in Bangladesh

Tamal Chowdhury
Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Kaptai Highway, Raozan, Chattogram 4349, Bangladesh

Hemal Chowdhury
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Kaptai Highway, Raozan, Chattogram 4349, Bangladesh

Ashfaq Ahmed
School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea

Young-Kwon Park*
School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea

Piyal Chowdhury
Chattogram Collegiate School and College, Chattogram 4200, Bangladesh

Nazia Hossain
School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Sadiq M. Sait
CCITR-RI, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Globally, the agriculture sector consumes a considerable portion of energy. Optimizing energy consumption and energy loss from different fuel-based types of machinery will increase the energy sustainability of this sector. Exergy analysis is a useful optimizing method that applies the thermodynamic approach to minimize energy loss. The main goal of this study is to highlight the impact of exergy loss on the energy sustainability of the agriculture sector. Hence, this study focuses on the implementation of exergy-based sustainability parameters to determine the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. A comprehensive analysis combining energy, exergy, and sustainability indicators was conducted based on the data obtained from 1990 to 2017. Overall energy and exergy efficiencies varied between 29.86% and 36.68% and 28.2% and 35.4%, respectively, whereas the sustainability index varied between 1.39 and 1.54. The values of relative irreversibility and lack of productivity indices from diesel fuel are higher than that of other fuel types. Maximum relative irreversibility is 0.95, whereas maximum lack of productivity is 2.50. The environmental effect factor of diesel fuel is the highest (2.47) among all the analyzed fuel types. Replacing old farming devices and selecting appropriate farming methods, appliances, and control systems will reduce exergy loss in this sector.

Keywords: Energy policy; Exergetic sustainability; Sustainability indicators

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-00-1990

End Date: 00-00-2017

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Energy, Sustainable

Objectives:

The main focus of this analysis is to introduce exergetic sustainability indicators for highlighting the exergetic sustainability of the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. The current model is unique as the indicators easily provide knowledge on the trend of energy consumption and the effect of waste energy on the environment and sustainability. Irreversibilities associated with each fuel can be identified, and steps can be taken to minimize the loss of fuel. To the best of our knowledge, no such study exists for the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study can serve as a representative model for comparing the sustainability of the agricultural sectors in different countries.

Methodology:

Bangladesh’s agricultural sector mainly relies on diesel to meet its energy demand, and ~90% of energy demand is fulfilled by diesel. Recently, the consumption of electricity has increased in this sector. For instance, electricity consumption in this sector increased from 0.61 PJ in 1990 to 6.44 PJ in 2017, i.e., an increase of more than 90% within two decades. The share of natural gas steadily increased from 1991 to 2017. An increase of ~54% has been observed in the case of natural gas. Farming vehicles such as tractors and lorries have been taken as representative of diesel- and gas-operated devices, while the same has been assumed for electricity-operated devices. Statistics regarding devices and their fuel consumption patterns cannot be utilized due to their unavailability. To determine energy and exergy efficiency, the methodologies proposed by Ahamed et al. and Dincer et al. were adapted. To evaluate the energy and exergy efficiency of this sector, at first weighting factor is calculated. The weighting factor can be defined as the ratio of energy input in each device by the total sector’s energy input. By multiplying the weighing factor with the energy efficiencies of each device, weighted mean energy efficiencies for each device can be found out. Then, by summing the weighted mean energy efficiencies of each device, the weighted mean overall energy efficiency of the agricultural sector for a particular year can be calculated. Herein, we assume that diesel and natural gas are used to operate agricultural vehicles such as lorries and tractors, and electricity is used to run pumps. The operating efficiency of diesel- and gas-operated devices (28%) are assumed similar to updated Reistad efficiencies for road mode devices. The operating efficiency of electricity is considered as 90%. Using the following equation, the overall weighted mean energy efficiency can be determined.

“By multiplying weighting factors with the energy efficiency of the device divided by the exergy grade function of the fuels, weighted mean exergy efficiency for each device of the agricultural sector is calculated. By summing the weighted mean exergy efficiency of each device, weighted mean overall exergy efficiency of the agricultural sector for a particular year can be calculated”. Using the following equation, the overall weighted mean exergy efficiency can be determined.

Source of Information: Sustainability 2020, 12, 4447

Article Link (Online Journal): doi:10.3390/su12114447

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In this study, a detailed analysis of the energy, exergy, and sustainability of the agricultural sector in Bangladesh was carried out, based on actual data from 1990 to 2017. Two main components, the tractor and irrigation pump, were analyzed. The outcomes of this analysis are given below: • Overall energy efficiencies differ from 29.86% to 36.68%, and overall exergy efficiencies differ from 28.2% to 35.4% from 1990 to 2017. • SI values vary between 1.39 and 1.54 within this period. • Bangladesh’s agricultural sector is more sustainable than that of Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, or Saudi Arabia. • The RI and LOP from diesel fuel are much higher than that of other fuel types. Maximum RI is 0.95 and the maximum LOP is 2.50. • WER and EEF of diesel fuel are higher than that of the other fuels analyzed. The WER value is 0.74, and the EEF value is 2.47. These losses can be reduced by proper fuel selection. Increased use of electricity can improve this condition. Using modern technology can not only save energy but can also improve production. The replacement of old farming devices with modern ones can reduce energy consumption. Replacing diesel-operated machinery, such as diesel tractors, with electrical tractors can reduce diesel losses. Arranging training programs for farmers and creating awareness regarding energy efficiency and the environmental nexus could reduce emissions from this sector. Increasing awareness regarding the proper farming method and including knowledge about environmental sustainability and cleaner production in school and college textbooks could play a major role in reducing energy losses associated with this sector. A detailed energy audit should be conducted to find out the most convenient energy efficacy measures that befit local climates. Economic analysis, such as an exergoeconomic analysis, should also be taken into consideration in future studies. The potential of various sustainable energy sources, for instance, solar, biogas, and biodiesel, should be investigated in the future.

Knowledge Management: Journal