Physical modeling of the thermal mode of a livestock building with a combined electric thermal storage heating system

Abstract

Indoor climate parameters on livestock farms depend on the heat supply and air exchange methods. To improve the survival rate and productivity of animals, it is proposed to use a developed energy-efficient combined electric thermal storage heater (CETSH), consisting of a storage unit and a direct heating unit,in conjunction with a ceiling fan. The research aimed to assess the effect of ceiling fan operation on indoor climate parameters in the animal-occupied zone during its joint operation with a combined electric thermal storage heater. Measurements of indoor climate parameters (temperature and velocity) were taken at several points along the height of the room in two modes: with the ceiling fan in the position “ON” and “OFF”. As a result, interpolation polynomials were obtained for the dependence of air temperature change taking into account the distance from the vertical axis of the ceiling fan in two modes, and for the dependence of air velocity distribution in the room with the fan operating. It was established that the joint operation of the CETSH with a ceiling fan makes it possible to increase the air temperature in the working zone of the heated room by 2 to 3°C while reducing the power of the heat supply system by at least 15%. The energy-saving effect is achieved by utilizing the heat of air accumulating in the upper zone of the room (under the ceiling) when it is supplied by the ceiling fan to the working zone. The results of experimental studies on the use of CETSH together with ceiling fans showed a more uniform distribution of air temperature along the height of the room while maintaining the standard air velocity in the working zone (nor exceeding 0.2 to 0.4 m/s). The research results can be used in the design of energy-saving electric thermal storage heating systems for livestock buildings on cattle farms and in the development of a standard size range of CETSH.