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Presentation
Control algorithm development and simulation for comparing evaporative pads and sprinklers for grow-finish pigs
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference Proceedings and Presentations
  • Brett C. Ramirez, Iowa State University
  • Steven J. Hoff, Iowa State University
  • Jay D. Harmon, Iowa State University
Document Type
Presentation
Conference
10th International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES X)
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2018
DOI
10.13031/iles.ILES18-007
Conference Title
10th International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES X)
Conference Date
September 25-27, 2018
Geolocation
(41.2565369, -95.93450339999998)
Abstract

Seasonal variability attributed to heat stress (HS) has a large economic impact on the US swine industry by reducing daily gain and finishing market weights. Strategies to mitigate HS lack evidence showing effectiveness in different climates and have not been adequately controlled to provide a thermally optimum environment for pigs. Hence, the goal of this study was to describe the initial experimental design and instrumentation as well as develop innovative control algorithms for operating evaporative pads (EPs) and sprinklers. Located in northeast Iowa, a four room (~1,875 head per room) grow-finish facility featured side-by-side rooms separated by a hallway. Three thermal environment sensor arrays (TESAs) quantifying dry-bulb and globe temperature, relative humidity, and airspeed were placed in each room and served as feedback for control system to evaluate the thermal environment and potential HS conditions. The newly developed housed swine heat stress index (HS2I) combines TESA measurements and optional wetted skin to assess the potential for HS onset. Custom software interfaced with a multifunction data acquisition board was used to condition TESA signals and control EP pumps and sprinkler solenoids. A control algorithm was developed and simulated using data collected during a 23-d period in July 2017 to preliminarily evaluate the robustness and potential control decisions. Linear models developed to predict indoor dry-/wet-bulb temperature showed good agreement with measured data and will be critical for developing a control systems to selects the best cooling system given forecasted ambient conditions.

Comments

This presentation is published as Ramirez, Brett C., Steven J. Hoff, and Jay D. Harmon. "Control algorithm development and simulation for comparing evaporative pads and sprinklers for grow-finish pigs." In 10th International Livestock Environment Symposium (ILES X), Paper No. ILES18-007. Omaha, NE. September 25-27, 2018. DOI: 10.13031/iles.ILES18-007. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Brett C. Ramirez, Steven J. Hoff and Jay D. Harmon. "Control algorithm development and simulation for comparing evaporative pads and sprinklers for grow-finish pigs" Omaha, NE(2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jay_harmon/184/