greenshed project
Case Study
Supporting the GreenShed Project’s Scientific Research into Sustainable Beef Farming
Supporting the GreenShed Project’s Scientific Research into Sustainable Beef Farming
Agriculture
Collaboration
Latest Technologies
Analox Joins SRUC’s GreenShed Project
Analox is proud to be part of the pioneering SRUC GreenShed Project, an ambitious initiative led by SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) that is breaking new ground in sustainable agriculture. The project focuses on significantly reducing methane emissions from beef farming by integrating new technologies and scientific research to create a circular farming system. At the heart of this initiative is the goal of transforming harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) into usable energy while improving livestock farming practices.
Analox’s solution plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of gas measurements, which are critical to the success of the methane capture and biogas production system.
The GreenShed System
Turning Methane Emissions into Renewable Energy for Sustainable Farming
The GreenShed project integrates innovative technologies that capture methane (CH₄) from beef cattle housed in semi-sealed barns. Methane, a GHG with 30 times the potency of CO₂, is produced in large quantities during the final stages of the cattle’s life cycle when they are fed high-protein diets to fatten them for market. This methane is captured and combined with methane produced from an anaerobic digestion (AD) system that processes animal slurry. The result is a steady supply of methane that fuels a combined heat and power (CHP) system, generating electricity and heat for use on the farm.
As part of the process, methane is converted into CO₂ during combustion in the CHP system. This reduces the overall environmental impact of the GHG emissions. The heat and CO₂ produced can also be used to support other farm activities, such as heating greenhouses and poly tunnels for crop growth, creating a self-sustaining, circular farming system.
The Role of the Analox in the project
Designed for high-precision research, our solution provides continuous, real-time data on gas concentrations throughout the GreenShed system. Using Gas Filter Correlation (GFC) infrared analysis, the analyser accurately detects trace gases, making it ideal for the GreenShed project, where methane levels vary as cattle progress through their life cycle and the AD system processes slurry.
Key Contributions of our Solution:
Precision and Accuracy in Measurement
We measure methane concentrations down to parts per million (ppm) with exceptional accuracy. This level of precision is critical in the GreenShed project, where even small fluctuations in methane levels can impact the efficiency of the methane capture and biogas conversion processes. The analyser’s ability to detect methane at concentrations as low as 500 ppm ensures that the system operates efficiently, capturing the maximum amount of methane possible.
Reliability for Scientific Research
In a project like GreenShed, where ongoing data collection and analysis are essential for refining methane capture technologies, the reliability of gas measurements cannot be overstated. The system is built for long-term use in challenging agricultural environments, ensuring continuous operation without compromising on the integrity of the data. Its robustness makes it ideal for supporting scientific research and data-driven decision-making within the project.
Real-Time Data for Effective Control
Real-time monitoring of gas concentrations is a key factor in maintaining the efficiency of the GreenShed system. We provide immediate feedback on methane and CO₂ levels, allowing the system to automatically adjust air handling processes to optimise gas capture and combustion. This ensures that the maximum amount of methane is converted into energy and reduces the amount released into the atmosphere.
Results and Impact
Our support has been valuable in providing accurate gas measurements that have contributed to the overall success of the GreenShed project. The initial results are promising, demonstrating that the system is effectively capturing methane during the cattle’s most intensive methane-producing stage. This helps reduce emissions while converting harmful gases into renewable energy.
With reliable data supporting the project’s progress, there is optimism that the GreenShed model can be scaled to other farms. This has the potential to provide a sustainable solution for reducing agricultural emissions on a broader scale, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
Farming for the Future
The GreenShed project offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable farming by capturing methane, particularly in the last few months of the cattle’s life when methane production is highest, and converting it into energy to power the farm. This process not only prevents harmful methane from escaping into the atmosphere but also provides additional benefits – such as using the heat and CO₂ produced from burning biogas to accelerate crop growth in poly tunnels, creating a balanced and efficient system that integrates livestock and crop farming.
For farmers, this represents a significant opportunity to turn methane, once seen as a major environmental challenge, into a source of renewable energy that could power their operations or even generate income by selling excess energy. Although the GreenShed project is still in its pilot phase, the positive results indicate potential for wider adoption across beef and dairy farms, helping to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint while contributing to broader climate goals.
Results and Impact
Our support has been valuable in providing accurate gas measurements that have contributed to the overall success of the GreenShed project. The initial results are promising, demonstrating that the system is effectively capturing methane during the cattle’s most intensive methane-producing stage. This helps reduce emissions while converting harmful gases into renewable energy.
With reliable data supporting the project’s progress, there is optimism that the GreenShed model can be scaled to other farms. This has the potential to provide a sustainable solution for reducing agricultural emissions on a broader scale, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
Farming for the Future
The GreenShed project offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable farming by capturing methane, particularly in the last few months of the cattle’s life when methane production is highest, and converting it into energy to power the farm. This process not only prevents harmful methane from escaping into the atmosphere but also provides additional benefits – such as using the heat and CO₂ produced from burning biogas to accelerate crop growth in poly tunnels, creating a balanced and efficient system that integrates livestock and crop farming.
For farmers, this represents a significant opportunity to turn methane, once seen as a major environmental challenge, into a source of renewable energy that could power their operations or even generate income by selling excess energy. Although the GreenShed project is still in its pilot phase, the positive results indicate potential for wider adoption across beef and dairy farms, helping to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint while contributing to broader climate goals.
What’s Next?
Looking Forwards:
Analox’s Commitment to Sustainability
At Analox, we’re incredibly proud to be part of this forward-thinking project. Our solutions are more than just pieces of equipment – they are tools that helps turn environmental challenges into opportunities.
As farmers look for new ways to balance productivity with environmental responsibility, projects like GreenShed are lighting the way forward. Analox is excited to continue supporting this journey, where science and innovation meet to create a more sustainable future for farming.