Energy Efficiency of a Heat Pump System: Case Study in Two Pig Houses

Abstract

This study describes a 70-day investigation of three identical groundwater heat pumps (GWHP) for heating two pig houses located on the same farm in West Germany. Two of the three GWHPs were installed in a piglet-rearing barn, the third in a farrowing barn. All three heat pumps were fed from the same extraction well. The aim of this study was firstly the empirical performance measurement of the GWHP systems and secondly the energetic evaluation of the systems on barn level by calculating the coefficient of performance (COP). Three different assessment limits were considered in order to better identify factors influencing the COP. In total, the heat pumps supplied thermal energy of 47,160 kWh (piglet-rearing barn) and 36,500 kWh (farrowing barn). Depending on the assessment limit considered, the COP in piglet-rearing barn and farrowing barn ranged between 2.6–3.4 and 2.5–3.0, respectively. A significant factor influencing the COP is the amount of electrical current required to operate the groundwater feeding pump. The average groundwater flow rate was 168.4 m3 d−1 (piglet-rearing barn) and 99.1 m3 d−1 (farrowing barn). In conclusion, by using energy from groundwater, GWHPs have the potential to substitute fossil fuels, thus saving them and avoiding CO2 emissions.

Effects of a Combined Geothermal and Solar Heating System as a Renewable Energy Source in a Pig House and Estimation of Energy Consumption Using Artificial Intelligence-Based Prediction Model

“…It was reported that the single loop vertical GHP system (known as the direct heat exchange system) can efficiently transfer heat from the ground to the source building and the fan coil unit (FCU) of the GHP system can distribute that heat effectively due to the continuous motion [ 19 , 33 ]. In line with our findings, many scientists from different nations have explained the satisfactory heating capabilities of the GHP system for animal farms [ 6 , 19 , 35 , 36 ].…”

Effect of Air Heat Pump Cooling System as a Greener Energy Source on the Air Quality, Housing Environment and Growth Performance in Pig House

“…Pigs are more prone to heat stress in hot weather as they lack a proper panting system and a large deposit of subcutaneous fat under their skin [4]. In addition, Licharz et al [18] reported that pig housing must have access to a comfortable indoor temperature to comply with animal welfare legislation. The inside temperature of the AHP connected pig house remained at a lower level during the entire experiment.…”

Digital Twin Application: Making a Virtual Pig House Toward Digital Livestock Farming

“…The authors in [81] examined the effects of a heating system using a ground source heat pump for sustainable pig production and food security as a climate-friendly renewable energy source for a pig house. In addition, in [13] and [82], groundwater heat pumps in a pig house were considered for energy usage. Therefore, the main interest of farmers is to reduce the power consumption of energy-consuming entities while guaranteeing a comfortable rearing environment.…”