Effect of a Geothermal Heat Pump in Cooling Mode on the Housing Environment and Swine Productivity Traits

Abstract

This study compared the effects of the cooling mode of a geothermal heat pump (GHP) system with those of a traditional cooling system (ventilation fans) inside a pig house on the internal house temperature, harmful gas emissions, and the growth performance of the pigs. During the 19-week experimental period, the temperature inside the house connected to the GHP cooling system was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of a house with a conventional cooling system. Similarly, the temperature–humidity index (THI) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the GHP cooling system-connected pig house. Furthermore, the concentrations of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) were also decreased significantly in the GHP-installed pig house (p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in the concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and formaldehyde (p > 0.05). The pigs reared in the GHP-equipped pig house gained significantly more weight (p < 0.05) by the end of the experiment. The GHP cooling system can therefore be implemented as a renewable, environmentally friendly energy source in pig farms for sustainable swine production without adversely affecting the productivity parameters.

Environmental Impact Comparison of Geothermal Alternatives for Conventional Boiler Replacement

“…The uses of this energy can be segregated into three main clusters according to their destination and in four sections according to their temperature. In this way, the taxonomy based on their use is as follows: First group: housing, leisure, and health [11][12][13][14][15]; Second group: Agriculture and food [16,17]; Third group: industry [18,19]. The temperature sections used are: a very low temperature, less than 30 °C; a low temperature between 30° and 90°; a medium temperature between 90° and 150°; and a high temperature, higher than 150°.…”