Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of a Broiler House Microclimate in Summer and Winter

Creative Commons License

Küçüktopcu E., Cemek B., Simsek H., Ni J.

ANIMALS, vol.12, no.7, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/ani12070867
  • Journal Name: ANIMALS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: model, CFD, numeric analysis, indoor environment, poultry building, simulation, AIR-FLOW, GENOMIC SELECTION, COOLING SYSTEM, CFD, PERFORMANCE, HEAT, AEROSPACE
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Appropriate microclimate conditions in broiler housing are critical for optimizing poultry production and ensuring the health and welfare of the birds. In this study, spatial variabilities of the microclimate in summer and winter seasons in a mechanically ventilated broiler house were modeled using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. Field measurements of temperature, relative humidity, and airspeeds were conducted in the house to compare the simulated results. The study identified two problems of high temperature in summer, which could result in bird heat stress and stagnant zones in winter, and simulated possible alternative solutions. In summer, if an evaporative cooling pad system was used, a decrease in temperature of approximately 3 degrees C could be achieved when the mean air temperature rose above 25 degrees C in the house. In winter, adding four 500-mm circulation fans of 20-m spacing inside the house could eliminate the accumulation of hot and humid air in the stagnant zones in the house. This study demonstrated that CFD is a valuable tool for adequate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system design in poultry buildings.