Simulation analysis of a new temperature control method for poultry housing

A new control method for temperature control is presented which utilizes both a time-integrated value (TIV) and an instantaneous value of inside air temperature as the basis for making control decisions. Current control strategies neglect the thermal history of both the air space and the animal but there are gains to be made by using a control algorithm that employs dynamic control of the target control variable. It is demonstrated that increased economic efficiency is obtained using time-integrated control. Simulation analysis was used to predict energy savings and changes in bird performance for a series of TIV control algorithms. On the basis of these simulations, it was concluded that the TIV control strategy imporoved net returns compared with those obtained using a conventional control strategy. TIV control targets for temperature should be selected to reduce excessive fan usage and to prevent any mortality if at all possible. The economic parameters assumed for feed cost and meat value have a large impact on the selection of an optimal control strategy.