Design of Artificial Lighting in Broiler Housing

Abstract

Abstract The work aim is to propose lighting system designs that would satisfy the broiler welfare in terms of intensity; wavelength; switching interval; and energy savings, and would help farmers to reduce the unit costs. BuildingDesign software with Wils 7.0.342 module was used to design suitable lighting, calculate and visualize it. By optimizing the required parameters and energy performance of system, four final designs were prepared with the appropriate evaluation with respect to the acquisition price and return on investment. The original lighting system included a combination of 68 pcs. of tungsten and fluorescent lamps with consumption of 2.17 kWh and a minimum illumination intensity of 7.02 lx. Measurements were conducted at 212 points of the control grid. Artificial lighting is the only light source in an environment of eco-friendly controlled farm. Based on the research analyses, there were proposed four lighting system alternatives with various light intensity; wavelength; switch-on interval; and energy savings. In terms of light intensity, all four designs meet the animal welfare requirements. The most advantageous alternative in the long term is design no. 4 with consumption of 0.734 kWh per one cycle (with energy savings of 66.17% in contrast to the original lighting), in which the intermittent switching mode showed a power savings of 56% and lighting intensity regulation of 40% while maintaining a minimum lighting intensity of 20 lx (total savings for switching and regulation reached up to 73.7%). By utilizing modern approaches, appropriate light colour and lighting quality suitable for broiler breeding were achieved.