Controlling and recording energy consumption
Studies conducted on pig farms in Europe have shown that energy consumption averages 28 kWh/head. Although this figure can range from 18 kWh/head to 45 kWh/head. That is, most businesses have room for improvement in energy efficiency. Accounting for and comparing energy consumption will help identify points that can be improved. This is especially useful in energy-intensive areas of the plant, such as the farrowing room, where a significant portion of the energy is used to produce heat.
To identify energy-intensive areas, install additional meters in different sections of the shop as well as in different production areas. By comparing their values in a spreadsheet, you can compare energy consumption over a certain period depending on the number of pigs. This will make it possible to detect over-consumption and to take measures to eliminate it.
High-quality ventilation
Performing the function of removing excess moisture from the room as well as maintaining high air quality by preventing the temperature from dropping below the set point. Providing a good environment is of fundamental importance for the production performance of pigs, from feed conversion and gains to health status.
To maximize the efficiency of the ventilation system:
1. Check the accuracy of the thermostats. Heat production is a costly process in terms of energy consumption. So even a seemingly small deviation means that energy is being wasted. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the sensors and the thermostats are working properly and accurately, because a corrosive environment on the farm can lead to faster wear and tear.
2. determine if the internal air flow is set up. Be aware that obstructions in the shop can disrupt airflow, creating unwanted drafts and cold spots.
3. Keep the ventilation system in optimal condition. This includes keeping fans and air shafts clean and free of dirt, dust, and clogs. More complex systems consist of belts and wires that can lose tension over time, which also affects the settings and placement of dampers and vents.
4. Consider replacing with newer fans. They are more energy efficient than older models.
5. Add diffusers to the outlet fans. This can increase efficiency by 15%. Flat surface fans and diffusers reduce fan efficiency because of swirling airflow resulting from the fast-moving air from the fan colliding with static outside air. The diffuser smoothly diverts air without interfering with fan performance.
6. Monitor temperature fluctuations, making sure they are within the desired range for the specific age group of animals. Temperature should not drop below the Lower Critical Temperature (LCT) level for the animals.
In addition, useful in improving the energy efficiency of the ventilation system is the proper adjustment of the exhaust units. Currently, the optimal principles of its regulation are multistage and dynamic-multistage, which help to significantly reduce energy consumption. The difference of these principles is that the multistage one provides sliding regulation of air exchange within the range of 0-100%, connecting other fans in the group as needed. In the dynamic-multi-stage system, the fans are also grouped together, but only operate at 50% capacity. When all the fans are engaged, but still need to increase the airflow rate, the capacity in parallel in each fan is increased to 100%. The advantage of this approach is low power consumption if the fans are running at low speeds. Decision which ventilation system to choose depends on several factors - climatic conditions, equipment and investment profile of the enterprise. However, according to most experts, a dynamic-multistage system is better, because it saves more energy (picture 1). For example, the use of such a system in the fattening shop can reduce electricity consumption by 6-10 kWh/gl. annually. From an economic point of view, investments in a dynamic multistage system are justified in case of construction of new buildings or complete modernization of ventilation.
Building insulation
Modern pig farms need proper insulation to keep the heat indoors and to prevent excessive heat in the heat. Heat retention is important because it helps mitigate the effects of cold fresh air introduced by the ventilation system, reducing the need for additional heating. Heat can be lost through walls and ceilings, especially if the farm building is old. Also, pay special attention to heat loss in areas with higher temperature requirements, such as the weaning room. Installing composite panels or improving existing insulation can help reduce the energy required to maintain proper room temperatures. To improve insulation, the following points should be addressed:
1. Make sure that the existing insulation is not damaged. Polyurethane and other types of modern insulation materials can be susceptible to damage by pests and vermin. Check the insulation regularly and replace or repair it if necessary.
2. Check plumbing. Heat can be lost from tanks or piping that moves hot water in the heating system, check if they are properly insulated.
3. Keep insulation dry, because moisture acts as a conductor of heat.
Energy efficient farrowing room
The farrowing room is a large part of the energy consumed in a pig farm. And the energy consumption is influenced by the piglet housing area, the type of cubicle (closed or open), the way the heat is supplied: from the side or from above downwards, for example with lamps or heaters, or from below upwards with heat mats. In addition, a suitable microclimate must be ensured in the farrowing room for both piglets and sows, taking into account that the temperature requirements are different for both. Thermoregulators allow to solve this task and to save energy. It is also possible to use automated control, which will gradually reduce the temperature in the booths as the piglets grow. This will further reduce energy requirements. Moreover, heat lamps and infrared heaters can be replaced with more energy-efficient heat mats. Despite the much higher capital investment, heat mats are more durable and much cheaper to operate.
Energy-efficient feeding and cleaning system
Different feeding systems with different energy requirements are used on pig farms: from simple loader-filled bunker feeders to feed lines that deliver liquid or dry feed. To ensure energy-efficient feeding and cleaning systems, consider the following:
1. If possible, install variable speed motors. They can regulate power to optimize energy consumption. This is the best option for liquid feeding systems.
2. Pre-soaking or using indoor sprinklers before washing significantly reduces cleaning time and therefore reduces energy requirements.
3. pay attention to the washing systems, first of all you can reduce the temperature or water pressure of the washing machines, etc.
Efficient lighting
Lighting technology has taken a "step forward" in the last decade with the development and widespread use of LED lighting. It provides significant energy savings compared to halogen or fluorescent lamps. However, an important step to improve lighting efficiency would be:
1. Painting the walls and ceiling a reflective color, such as white. This can greatly increase the level of light in the room and reduce the need for artificial light sources. Keeping the fixtures clean will also help use fewer fixtures.
2. Make sure the fixtures are installed in the right place. Keep in mind that incorporating light fixtures into building structures may not always provide the best results, although it is more convenient.
3. Replacing bulbs with LED bulbs reduces energy requirements (usually by 80-85%). In addition, these lamps have a longer life.
Renewable energy sources
As electricity is skyrocketing in price, the economic feasibility of installing renewable energy is increasing. Of course, it is a significant initial cost, but the payback is quite attractive. Therefore, alternative energy sources such as solar panels, heat pumps, air recovery systems, etc. should be considered for manufacturers.
AgroKlimat Ukraine LLC:
2 660 Kiev, Ukraine;
Kiev, Ukraine; 465 Svirstyuk str. Eugene Sverstyuk, 19, office 914
+38 067 386 26 91, +38 829 52 62, +38 067 537 36 67
volodymyr.brovchenko15@gmail.com
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