Applicability evaluation of a demand-controlled ventilation system in livestock

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Environmental Control Systems
• Animal Science

Background:

• Increased demand for food security due to population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Need for improved livestock growth performance through comfortable indoor environments.
• Mechanical ventilation systems are essential for livestock housing.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze the applicability of demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) for energy-efficient mechanical ventilation in pigsties.
• Develop an indoor temperature and CO2 concentration prediction model.
• Evaluate the impact of DCV on the indoor environment and energy consumption.

Main Methods:

• Developed a predictive model for indoor temperature and CO2 concentration.
• Applied DCV control strategies with different time steps (hourly and 15-minute).
• Compared energy consumption and indoor environment parameters with existing control methods.

Main Results:

• DCV reduced energy consumption compared to existing methods.
• Hourly DCV control led to significant indoor temperature increases, exceeding limits.
• 15-minute DCV control reduced temperature and energy use but was less efficient during hot weather.

Conclusions:

• DCV shows potential for energy-efficient ventilation in pigsties.
• Optimal time-step control is critical for balancing energy savings and thermal comfort.
• Further refinement of DCV is needed for varying environmental conditions and livestock heat loads.