Abstract: Some embodiments include a system. The system includes a conduit system having a conduit system volume. The conduit system can convey a fluid through the conduit system volume of the conduit system. The system also includes at least one pumping mechanism operable to drive the fluid through the conduit system volume, at least one turbine operable to extract energy from the fluid conveyed by the conduit system and driven by the pumping mechanism(s), and at least one generator coupled to the turbine(s) and operable to generate electricity from the energy extracted by the turbine(s). The pumping mechanism(s) are configured to be powered by a first portion of the electricity and the system makes a second portion of the electricity available to one or more electrical loads. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system. The system includes a conduit system having a conduit system volume. The conduit system can convey a fluid through the conduit system volume of the conduit system. The system also includes at least one pumping mechanism operable to drive the fluid through the conduit system volume, at least one turbine operable to extract energy from the fluid conveyed by the conduit system and driven by the pumping mechanism(s), and at least one generator coupled to the turbine(s) and operable to generate electricity from the energy extracted by the turbine(s). The pumping mechanism(s) are configured to be powered by a first portion of the electricity and the system makes a second portion of the electricity available to one or more electrical loads. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A livestock processing facility comprising a waste area, a processing area, a storage area and a packaging area. The processing area comprises at least two processing portions wherein each processing portion is positioned such that the processing area at least partially circumscribes the waste area. Waste from any processing portion of the processing area is directly fed through conduits without passing through any other area of the facility. A processing portion of the processing area includes a self-cleaning system to wash and sanitize the processing portion at regular intervals. The storage area includes separate modular coolers wherein the temperature of each cooler can be controlled independent of any other. Each area of the processing facility is positioned and designed to control the flow of air away from the storage and packaging areas toward the waste area.