Validation of a Heating System in the Farrowing House Using a CFD Approach

Abstract

The current heating system for piglets in the farrowing usually uses incandescent lamps and, in some cases, heated floors with electric resistances, which in most cases generates a high energy cost. Thus, the implantation of systems that use renewable energies in the heating of piglets can allow the thermal comfort of the animals without reducing the productive development. The objective of this research was to evaluate a computer model in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), which predicts surface temperature in the heating system of a farrowing house. The study was conducted during the summer season on the swine sector of Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. For this study, a prototype solar heater using alternative materials (ASWH) was developed and compared with a conventional solar water heater (CSWH). Two floors were built of cement to test both heating systems and four thermocouple sensors (K type) with digital display were used in each system to test and evaluate the heating efficiency. Based on the results, the average surface temperature in the ASWH and the CSWH treatments was 27.9 ± 2.6 °C and 27.1 ± 1.9 °C, respectively. Therefore, the experimental data showed no significant differences from the data obtained by the model, enabling the conclusion that it is suitable for predicting the thermal conditions of this type of heating system and could be used in swine factories to predict energy consumption. Thus, this computational model can be used as a useful tool for the design and selection of heating systems used in swine maternity systems.

CFD Analysis of the Effect of Heat Distribution on Different Heating Pad Piping Arrangements for Flexitank Application

“…However, there are still uncertainty or limitation reference regarding the heating pad for flexitank application. The most of previous research was conducted on floor heating pads, with applications similar to heating pads for flexitank [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. One of the solutions to minimize the time taken to completely liquidize for discharging process is identify the finest arrangement of heating pad.…”

Mathematical Modelling and Energy Accounting of Heaters for Growing Stock

“…To date, in-depth studies have been carried out related to the development, comparative evaluation of the effectiveness and implementation of various means of local heating [2][3][4]. As a result, various calculation methods [5,6] and equipment for local heating of young animals were proposed, such as infrared electric and gas irradiation plants, heated floors, panels, stoves, rugs, mats, as well as combined heating devices [7][8][9]. However, these developments do not fully cover the range of livestock needs.…”