Energy-saving modules from HSR
With the three energy-saving modules from HSR, operators can save more than a third of their drying costs in an economical and sustainable manner.
*based on reference operation
The modules in detail:
MAX. PERFORMANCE
Frequency converters enable variable control of the components in an HSR hay drying system. The control system continuously analyses the current drying progress, ensuring maximum water removal with minimum energy consumption at all times. The intelligent fan control system not only ensures energy efficiency, but also optimum coordination between the fan and the dehumidifier.
GREEN MODE
GREEN MODE automates the drying process as far as possible. Using a variety of sensors, current weather forecasts and day/night algorithms, the control system automatically adjusts the drying intervals. The system analyses whether and when ventilation is appropriate. This allows optimal use of periods of good weather and reduces energy consumption to a minimum.
PV MODE
PV MODE allows an in-house PV system to be integrated into the drying cycle. PV MODE acts as an add-on to the already integrated GREEN MODE. The control system determines how much PV power is currently being produced and processes this information as an additional parameter for automated drying control.
Qualitative data analysis:
The added value of the modules was recently the focus of the thesis by Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Christopher Fürst, who analysed the savings both theoretically and at a reference farm. A Lower Austrian company with an SR1000 / 22kW fan, an SR70 / 32 kW dehumidifier and a classic 3-way system was used for the practical test.
The installation of the three energy-saving modules significantly reduces drying costs. The following values were determined in the course of the thesis:
| = Purchased electricity | 1.050,20 kWh |
| Energy consumption of standard system: | 3.059,55 kWh |
| Actual energy consumption: | 1.905,82 kWh |
| Energy generated by PV system: | 855,62 kWh |
It can be deduced from this that the energy savings achieved through active shutdown in combination with the expanded, automated process control resulted in savings of 1154 kWh (~38%).
Of the energy actually consumed, 855 kWh was covered by electricity from the building's own PV system. This corresponds to a share of ~45%.
This means that the difference in energy consumption to be purchased is 2,010 kWh (3,060 kWh (without energy-saving modules and without PV system) vs. 1,050 kWh (with all three energy-saving modules and PV system)), which corresponds to a total saving of ~66%.
Ecological and economic assessment:
Assuming an average electricity price in Austria and Germany of approximately €0.32/kWh, the analysed reference operation results in a monetary saving of around €643 per drying cycle. Extrapolated to a full drying season, for example with around five drying cycles, this results in operating cost savings of around €3,216 per year.
This value is highly dependent on the design of the components. Even with the smallest HSR systems (5.5 kW fan / 9 kW dehumidifier), savings of around £864 per year can be achieved, whereas very large operations (2x 110 kW fan / 180 kW dehumidifier) can achieve cost savings of £23,822 per year.
It goes without saying that these savings not only reduce costs for agricultural businesses but also have an impact on their ecological footprint. According to current figures, electrical energy in Germany and Austria has average emissions of approximately 0.363 kg CO2 per kWh.
These values result in savings of 730 kg of CO2 per drying cycle for the reference farm. Extrapolated over a complete drying season, this results in a CO2 reduction of approximately 3,650 kg. Depending on the size of the hay drying operation, this results in savings of approximately 950–27,037 kg of CO2 per year. This corresponds to up to 165,000 km driven in an average car.
As the one-off purchase has an ongoing positive effect on savings and the reduction of CO2 emissions, the above savings are to be credited to all subsequent years.
Would you like to save up to 33% on your drying costs in the future? Then arrange a free consultation today and start drying with your new HSR hay dryer as early as 2026. (The three energy-saving modules can also be retrofitted to existing HSR dehumidifiers). We would be happy to provide you with more information:
