Scenario-Based Comparison of Sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems for Piglet Production Systems

Abstract

Industrial pig farming is a highly energy-intensive activity due to the susceptibility of extensively bred pig breeds. To ensure efficient production, optimal climatic housing conditions are necessary. In this context, reducing CO2 emissions requires maximizing efficiency in heating and cooling provision, including a significant renewable energy component. However, pig farmers face a perpetual demand to refine their production methodologies due to evolving regulatory standards and market demands. This demand influences the efficacy of existing heating and cooling strategies. To address these challenges, a comprehensive case study was undertaken at a sizable piglet farm to devise a methodology that facilitates the projection of annual heating and cooling load profiles. This methodological framework is suitable for use in similar agricultural settings with comparable operational constraints. The proactive projection of heating and cooling load profiles constitutes a foundational step in evaluating potential heating and cooling systems with regard to their energy utilization, financial viability, and carbon footprint. Central to this evaluation are the comparative analyses of heating systems such as biogas and heat pumps, alongside cooling systems exemplified by compression chillers and absorption chillers.