Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): investigation for improving pigs' housing design

Abstract

Pigs are subjected to intensive environment control and management for higher productivity due to their sensitivity to climatic variation, which affects their growth. The aim of the current work is to numerically model the air speed and temperature in mechanical ventilation pig housing to achieve optimum environment control. The simulation model was assumed as a steady two-dimensional numerical model including the effect of buoyancy, turbulence and heat generated by the pigs. The model was solved using the computational fluid dynamics software, Fluent, which is based on the integral volume method. Air flow pattern and temperature inside the pig housing and at the pigs' level were predicted for different arrangements of inlet widths and inlet velocities in the range of 1 - 5 ms-1. Different layouts were set up to determine the optimum design for the thermal comfort zones under daylight situation with ambient temperature of 30c degrees and night situation with ambient temperature of 26c degrees. From the analysis, location of inlets and outlets has to be carefully considered in order to enhance the air distribution in the pig housing. The use of water sprayer system during daylight was essential for pig housing in Malaysia to provide thermal comfort for the pigs. CFD analysis helped to identify problems in the design and offer suggestion for improvements. However, more work must be done to further evaluate other arrangements, and to conduct three dimensional simulations.