A thermodynamic performance analysis of the agricultural sector of India

Abstract

Thermodynamic analysis of Indian agricultural sector for a period of 14 years between 2001-2002 and 2014-2015 has been carried out in order to find the thermal efficiency and irreversible losses with the application of the principles of energy and exergy analysis. The devices such as tractors, power tillers using diesel and irrigation pump-sets using electricity, which consumes major portion of the energy inputs are assumed to be the representative of Indian agricultural sector. It is found that during the study period the overall exergy efficiencies (66.05% to 68.46%) are slightly less than corresponding energy efficiencies (66.09% to 68.47%). The energy and exergy flow diagrams and further improvement potential of this important sector are also presented. The results of this study can be used as guidelines for research and development such as analysing sectoral energy and exergy utilisation, providing measures for energy conservation and policy development.