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

• Published in: Animals (Basel) 2020-11, Vol.10 (11), p.2075
• Main Authors: Mun, Hong Seok, Dilawar, Muhammad Ammar, Jeong, Myeong Gil, Rathnayake, Dhanushka, Won, Jun Sung, Park, Kwang Woo, Lee, Sang Ro, Ryu, Sang Bum, Yang, Chul Ju
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Ammonia; Animal housing; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide concentration; Care and treatment; coefficient of performance; Cold; Comparative analysis; Control systems; Economics; Electricity; Electricity consumption; Emissions; Energy conservation; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Energy resources; Energy sources; Equipment and supplies; Farms; Finishing; Food production; Food security; Gases; geothermal heat pump; Geothermal power; Heat exchangers; Heat pumps; Heating; Hogs; Housing; Humidity; Livestock; Methods; noxious gas emission; pig house; Renewable energy sources; Renewable resources; Sensors; sustainable; Swine; Swine production; Temperature; Weaning; Winter
• ISSN: 2076-2615; 2076-2615
• DOI: 10.3390/ani10112075

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.