Experimental investigation of a novel PVt/heat pump system for energy-efficient poultry houses

Despite the promise of the abundant renewable energy resources in the world, the poultry sector is still dominated by the traditional energy sources. In this study, an innovative and cost-effective HVAC system design applied to a poultry house has been investigated and tested in the United Kingdom. This novel system aims to provide a practical and sustainable solution to the existing high fossil fuel consumption in the poultry-rearing industry and correspondingly its adverse impacts on the environment and chicken welfare. The novel system is comprised of two integrated novel components; a Polyethylene heat exchanger (PHE) based a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) array and an efficient and innovative ground pipe array coupled to heat pump. During winter condition, an auxiliary or back-up heating system provides the additional heat for adequate indoor temperature. In addition, PEC cooling unit provides the cooling to avoid heat stress in summer. 30.1 MWh heat energy and 11.8 MWh electricity energy generation can be achieved by the novel system. The results of the experimental study reveal that in one month, 2651 kWh heat energy and 782 kWh electricity energy generation have been supplied under autumn weather condition by the novel system which is very promising in a temperate oceanic climate.