Iowa State University (ISU) has issued a new publication on proper management of furnace and ventilation controller settings in hog buildings that can help pork producers conserve energy and save money.
“Managing Swine Ventilation Controller Settings to Save Energy, PM-2098T” is now available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension and Outreach online store at this URL: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=13759.
According to ISU agricultural engineer Jay Harmon, the publication summarizes furnace and ventilation controller technology such as set point, offset and differential. The two-page booklet also illustrates a specific example for modifying the furnace offset to minimize furnace run time, while still maintaining good air quality within the building.
The publication also discusses the use of variable speed fans and how they can be used to set minimum ventilation rates.
The publication was prepared by Harmon, professor in the ISU Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy; and Dana Petersen, program coordinator, ISU Farm Energy Initiative at ISU Extension and Outreach.