Effect of a Heating System Using a Ground Source Geothermal Heat Pump on Production Performance, Energy-Saving and Housing Environment of Pigs.

Chul Ju Yang,Kwang Woo Park,Sang Ro Lee,Sang Bum Ryu,Jun Sung Won,Dhanushka Rathnayake,Myeong Gil Jeong,Muhammad Ammar Dilawar,Hong Seok Mun

doi:10.3390/ani10112075

Abstract

Simple SummaryA geothermal heat pump (GHP) was installed in a pig house, and production performance, housing environment, energy efficiency, noxious and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions, and economics were compared between GHP and the control (conventional heating). The CO2 gas emission, usage, and cost of electricity were reduced in the GHP-installed pig house. The GHP also maintained the inside temperature of the pig house more effectively. Furthermore, the concentration of noxious gas (NH3) was also lower during the growing and finishing phase in the GHP-installed pig house. Therefore, the results indicate that the GHP system can be used for sustainable pig production and food security as a climate-friendly renewable energy source for livestock.This study examined the effects of a heating system using a ground source geothermal heat pump (GHP). A GHP was installed in a pig house, and a comparative analysis was performed between the GHP and the control (conventional heating system) in terms of the production performance, housing environment, noxious gas emissions, electricity consumption, and economics. The geothermal system performance index, such as the coefficient of performance (COP), inlet, and outlet temperature, were also evaluated. The outflow temperature during each period (weaning, growing, and finishing) was significantly higher than the inflow temperature in all three components of the GHP system. Similarly, the average internal temperature of the GHP-connected pig house was increased (p < 0.05) during each period. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, electricity usage, and cost of electricity during the 16-week experimental period were reduced significantly in the GHP system relative to the control. The concentrations of ammonia (NH3) during the growing and finishing period and the concentrations of formaldehyde during the weaning phase were also lower in the GHP-installed pig house (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the GHP system can be used as an environmentally friendly renewable energy source in pig houses for sustainable pig production without harming the growth performance.

Highlights

Efficient production performance is affected by the temperature, humidity, heating system, and environment of the pig house
Out of the two east-facing identical environmentally controlled rooms, the first room was connected to the geothermal heat pump (GHP) system (Figure 2), while the other room was installed with a conventional electric heating system and was used as a control (Figure 1b)
No significant differences in the levels of ultrafine dust were observed between the control and GHP system, the values of

Summary

Introduction

Efficient production performance is affected by the temperature, humidity, heating system, and environment of the pig house. The temperature of the pig house is the most critical parameter in the weaning phase, which must be around 26 ◦ C. Pigs are exposed to cold stress; heating the pig house is essential. Pig farming in Korea has increased greatly; with the increasing production, pig farms have become an active contributor to ammonia (NH3 ) and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions into the environment [2]. Some authors [3,4] have reported that the housing environment plays a major role in the amount of NH3 emission from animal farm facilities. CO2 is the most common greenhouse gas, and 32% of this gas is emitted as a result of electricity use for heating [7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion