초록 ▼

Method and apparatus for controlling environmental conditions in an animal house, and particularly in a poultry house, for producing maximum economic return. The static parameters of the house are determined, and thereafter continuous measurements are made of current inside and outside temperatures.

Method and apparatus for controlling environmental conditions in an animal house, and particularly in a poultry house, for producing maximum economic return. The static parameters of the house are determined, and thereafter continuous measurements are made of current inside and outside temperatures. The operator makes periodic assessments of litter condition in the house, and adjusts the target 24-hour average relative humidity to produce the desired litter condition. The system controls the heating and ventilation system to obtain the desired 24-hour average relative humidity while maintaining the optimum temperature conditions in the house for maximum economic return.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of controlling environmental conditions in an animal enclosure having litter material on the floor thereof, to provide a maximum economic return from the growth of animals housed therein, said enclosure including a plurality of controllable ventilation fans and a plurality of controllable h

A method of controlling environmental conditions in an animal enclosure having litter material on the floor thereof, to provide a maximum economic return from the growth of animals housed therein, said enclosure including a plurality of controllable ventilation fans and a plurality of controllable heaters, comprising: determining the static parameters of the animal enclosure including size and thermal characteristics; determining the number and type of animals to be housed in said enclosure; determining current values of variable parameters, including current weight, heat production, air infiltration, prices of fuel, feed, electricity, and market value of animals; assessing qualitatively the relative moisture content of the animal enclosure litter to determine whether the litter is too dry or too wet; establishing a target relative humidity value in response to said qualitative assessment; measuring the exterior air temperature near said enclosure to establish a dew point temperature; measuring the interior air temperature within said enclosure; determining, from said measured exterior temperature, dew point temperature, and target humidity, for each of a plurality of feasible interior temperatures, the ventilation rate VT required to maintain that feasible interior temperature, the ventilation rate VH required to maintain air relative humidity at a control interval value which will achieve a 24-hour average relative humidity at said target value; the expected animal growth feed consumption and operating costs at that temperature; and selecting and maintaining the one of said feasible interior temperatures which will produce the maximum economic return for the animals in said enclosure.