Agro Supply expands range of heat exchangers
Agro Supply – market leader and trendsetter when it comes to heat exchangers (Clima+ units) for poultry farming – expands the range of Clima+ units with high capacity units of 27,000 and 31,000m³/h. For more than 20 years, Agro Supply’s heat exchangers are known for the highest energy efficiency available in the market, referring to the favorable ratio between fan power consumption and the amount of heat/energy recovered. Heat exchangers make an important contribution to an improved poultry house climate for all types of poultry.
Thanks to the expansion of the range, an optimal fit of Clima+ units is possible in poultry houses from 13,700m³/h to 31,000m³/h. From 31,000m³/h or more, two Clima+ units can be installed. It is not recommended to blow air into the poultry house at one place with capacities above 31,000m³/h as this would results in inefficient turbulent air flow.
Need for measuring fans
“Power consumption is a critical point of heat exchangers. When high pressures occur in the machine, the electrical consumption of the fans increases significantly and the overall machine’s efficiency reduces”, explains Victor van Wagenberg – Product Manager at Agro Supply. “By means of an aerodynamic design, the pressure drop at maximum capacity is not higher than 175 Pa at our standard heat exchangers. This allows the use of low-noise and energy-efficient fans. At higher pressures, fans need to make turns which significantly increases both power consumption and noise production”.
Agro Supply’s heat exchangers always make use of measuring fans. Measuring fans are driven by the passing air flow, they determine the actual air flow and its velocity.
“Sending a signal to the fan without measuring fan does not guarantee air is actually moving in the requested amount. For example during the first period of the broiler production cycle the negative pressure in the house, is 0 Pa because the main ventilation is off and the house is only ventilated through the heat exchanger. After switching on the main ventilation, there could be for example 20 Pa negative pressure in the house. This 20 Pa must be overcome by the exhaust fan, the measuring fan corrects this and ensures the promised capacity is actually achieved,” Victor explains.
Guaranteed airflow is important because the heat exchanger is part of the minimum ventilation. Using the measuring fan enables us to guarantee the air output of the heat exchanger.
Birds perform better
Climate optimisation in poultry houses will improve bird performance. Air quality improves, CO2 levels decrease and the air in the poultry house will have lower moisture level. This will uphold the quality of the litter, resulting in less footpad lesions. Various independent broiler studies also show an additional growth of 1 gram per day or more, and a 2-point lower feed conversion. The use of the Clima+ unit yields >70% savings in heating costs, however, the biggest gain is achieved through the improvement in bird performance, this holds for broilers, breeders and layers.
Opportunities in legislation
In recent years, the Clima+ unit has received recognition for ammonia and particulate matter reduction. The heat exchanger filters the outgoing air leaving 80% of fine dust in the exchanger. Together with its customers, Agro Supply invested in costly metrics which resulted in official recognition for reduction of ammonia emission and fine dust. With a capacity of at least 1.0 m3/h per broiler, a fine dust emission reduction of 31% is reached. A few years ago, a capacity of 0.35 m3/h per broiler was the standard for a heat exchanger. Now we see a tendency towards increasing capacities because benefits in terms of climate, energy and bird performance then increase. By expansion of the Clima+ range, it is possible to offer each customer the optimal solution.
Practical experiences
Poultry farmer Brent Wouters, St-Lenaarts Belgium:
– “We are convinced that it is a sustainable and high quality product. The more air reaching the broilers, the better they grow and the lower the feed conversion.”
– “The litter is much drier, resulting in less footpad lesions and better paw quality.”
– “The Clima+ unit, I think it is the perfect product for us.”
