ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT OF A RURAL FARM WITH FACILITIES FOR PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING CORN-BASED PRODUCTS

Abstract

Adequate planning of rural electrification systems is essential to support agroindustrial activities in agricultural properties, particularly those related to grain processing. In this context, this study aimed to develop an electrification project for a rural property designed for processing and manufacturing corn-based products, including grain cleaning, drying, storage, and industrial processing stages. The methodology consisted of designing a fictitious rural property based on satellite images obtained through Google Earth®, where functional areas of the production unit were defined, including the residential headquarters, administrative reception, cleaning and drying sector, grain storage in silos, and an agroindustrial facility for corn processing. Based on the characterization of the facilities, an electrical load survey was carried out considering industrial equipment, lighting systems, electrical outlets, and other electrical devices according to the recommendations of the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 5410. Subsequently, the load demand was calculated through an analysis of simultaneous equipment operation, allowing the determination of the maximum demand of the property. Additionally, calculations of motor power loads were performed, along with the sizing of the distribution transformer, the definition of the load center for transformer location, and the design of the internal electrical distribution network. Electrical conductors were also sized according to current-carrying capacity and maximum voltage drop criteria established by technical standards and the local electricity utility. The results indicated a maximum electrical demand of approximately 173 kVA, occurring between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., which led to the selection of a 225 kVA three-phase transformer to supply the property. The conductor sizing calculations demonstrated compliance with technical safety and electrical performance requirements. It can be concluded that the developed project presents technical feasibility for implementation in a rural property with a corn processing agroindustry, contributing to energy planning for agricultural production units and to the generation of added value in rural production systems.