Scenario based Heating and Cooling Load Profiles in Piglet Production Systems
Abstract
Highly industrialized factory farming of pigs is energy-intensive, because efficient pig production is only possible under optimal climatic housing conditions, as the highly bred breeds are sensitive. To keep energy costs as low as possible, the heating and cooling supply must be operated as efficiently as possible. However, as regulatory requirements are constantly adjusted and market demand changes, pig farmers need to adapt and improve their pig production, which affects the efficiency of the heat and cooling supply concept. A case study in a large piglet farm is used to develop a tool for predicting annual heating and cooling requirements that can be used in other farms with similar boundary conditions. The tool allows a quick classification of changes in the production system in terms of their impact on heating and cooling demand. The forecast of the scenario based heating and cooling load profiles provides an important starting point for increased efficiency and further development of a renewable heating and cooling supply concept.