Application of computational fluid dynamics on a study in swine facilities with mechanical ventilation system

Authors

  • Vilmar Rodrigues de Sousa Junior University of Campinas; FEAGRI
  • Luana Araújo Sabino University of Campinas; FEAGRI
  • Daniella Jorge de Moura University of Campinas; FEAGRI
  • José Roberto Nunhez University of Campinas; Faculty of Chemical Engineering
  • Lilia Thays Sonoda University of Campinas; FEAGRI
  • Alexandre Oliveira Silva University of Campinas; Faculty of Chemical Engineering
  • Ronald Jaimes Prada University of Campinas; Faculty of Chemical Engineering
  • Diener Volpin Ribeiro Fontoura University of Campinas; Faculty of Chemical Engineering
  • Rogério Torres Seber University of Campinas; FEAGRI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2016-0110

Keywords:

CFD, airflow pattern, temperature distribution

Abstract

Ventilation systems used in swine facilities deserve to be studied because they directly affect productivity in the pig farming sector. Bearing this in mind the uniformity of air distribution and temperature is essential to animal welfare in this breeding environment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify whether changes in air entrances and exhaust fan positioning could influence air velocity and temperature distribution. The experimental data were collected in a commercial full-scale sow facility. Validation was carried out by comparing the simulated air temperatures and data measured in the field. These results showed agreement between data with a maximum relative error of approximately 3 %. The real settings showed a gradual increase in the air velocity from the air entrances and dead zones due to the change in airflow direction. There was no difference when the positioning of the exhaust fans was altered or was maintained in the original air entrances. The proposed arrangement with only one air inlet reduced the areas of low air movement as a consequence of the change in flow direction. Furthermore, the variables have the same pattern along the transversal plane. The simulations showed that the position of the air inlets had a higher influence on temperature distribution.

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Published

2018-05-01

Issue

Section

Agricultural Engeneering

How to Cite

Application of computational fluid dynamics on a study in swine facilities with mechanical ventilation system. (2018). Scientia Agricola, 75(3), 173-183. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2016-0110