ANALYTICAL STUDIES OF PRESSURE LOSSES IN THE VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR CONTAMINATED AIR REMOVAL

Abstract

The paper presents analytical and experimental studies of pressure losses in the ventilation system for removing contaminated air from livestock premises. The relevance of the research lies in the need to ensure the regulatory parameters of the microclimate with minimal energy consumption under spatial nonuniformity of the air environment. The aim of the study is to develop and analytically substantiate the regularities of pressure losses in the ventilation system for contaminated air removal in pig facilities, which ensures increased energy efficiency of fan operation, uniform air exchange, and stability of microclimate parameters.

Full-factor experiments were carried out on a laboratory bench and a full-scale model using variable-capacity fans, servo-driven dampers, pressure, temperature, and gas sensors. The velocity and flow rate of air were determined based on total and static pressure indicators; data were processed in the Arduino IDE environment with the calculation of mean values and standard deviations. Regression models and transfer functions of the actuators were constructed.

The conducted analytical and experimental studies made it possible to establish the regularities of pressure loss variation in the ventilation system for removing contaminated air from livestock premises. It was determined that the magnitude of pneumatic losses significantly depends on the damper rotation angle, airflow velocity, and duct length. The obtained regression equations and transfer functions describe the actual processes with a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.94), confirming the adequacy of the developed model.

The results can be used in the design and modernization of mechatronic ventilation systems in pig farming complexes.