Heating and Cooling Load Analysis of a Climate Neutral Proof of Concept Chicken Farm

Abstract

In this work, a proof of concept design for a poultry meat farm is studied. The design aims to be climate-neutral and energy-flexible by applying different technologies such as PV panels, PVT panels, BEO field, and high and low-temperature heat pumps. In order to size these systems, the farm's required heating, cooling power and (de)humidification rate has to be estimated, which is the focus of the current paper. For this purpose, a model was created in the Python environment. Based on the building's current design, expected weather conditions throughout a model year, and the required conditions for the chickens' well-being, the heating and cooling loads are calculated. The analysis does not yet take into account which technology is used to supply the heat as the sizing will be done based on the results of this analysis. In addition to the 'standard' climate requirements, some pens will be used to study the behaviour of the chickens during alterations in the temperature and humidity of the pen. These tests are predefined and the HVAC installation should be able to handle these test conditions as well. The results of the model can be used as a guideline to size the different HVAC systems. However, as the model is based on assumptions and simplifications, a sensitivity analysis was performed as well. This analysis shows that the conductive losses are small compared to ventilation and infiltration losses. The air changes per hour of the farm have a great impact on the total required heating and cooling power. Therefore, attention should be given to the air-tightness of the chicken pens to reduce the required installation size.