Cowenergy—possibilities of energy management in energy self-sufficient dairy cowsheds

Abstract Renewable and sustainable energy production is important in Germany. However, renewable energy production often depends on the variability of weather. Therefore, the flexibility of energy consumption is required. In dairy farming this flexibility can be realized by automation and sensor-based management of the working processes. For this, it is necessary to utilize storage capacities and shifting potential, especially since modern dairy farms can produce renewable energy themselves. The combination of these aspects may lead to a more flexible energy consumption or provision in the farm energy balance. Aim of this research is to identify and evaluate the potential of energy storage technologies in the dairy production processes. Subsequently these storage technologies are evaluated regarding the energy consumption. Additionally, the consequences of an autonomous energy and production management system for dairy farms are discussed. Due to the particular production processes, the energy forms—electricity, air pressure, hot water, and iced water —affect the applicability of different storage technologies. The storage of electrical energy shows the advantage of a more flexible transformability into other energy forms and bidirectional use. However, handling these flexible energy systems is very complex; thus, an integrated on-farm energy management system must consider all the relevant aspects.