Energy Efficiency

Agricultural Efficiency

This computerized ventilation controller, created by researcher Steven Hoff of Iowa State University, is a low-cost, low-energy alternative to mechanically-ventilated livestock buildings. When using this controller, naturally ventilated buildings are able to maintain their temperatures within two degrees of optimum conditions.

The controller saves livestock producers the expense of operating and maintaining ventilation fans and also dramatically improves the internal air quality of the facilities. Ventium was named one of the Top Ten New Products at the 1996 Pork Congress.

This controller is a shining example of how the Energy Center’s research dollars can address real world problems and produce information and products that help Iowa’s economy and environment.

Capitalizing on Existing Technology
The Energy Center also sponsors projects that apply existing technology to current problems in agriculture. For example, one Energy Center-sponsored project examined the use of energy-efficient heat lamps in hog farrowing buildings. This project, led by Hongwei Xin at Iowa State University, found that 50% of the energy used in a hog facility is for supplemental heat, about 70% of which is provided by heat lamps.

Traditionally, hog producers use 250-watt radiant heat lamps when raising piglets. This project compared the use of 250-watt lamps to more efficient 175-watt lamps in farrowing facilities.

The tests results showed that 175-watt lamps produced piglets of the same body weight as the 250-watt lamps; furthermore, those pigs raised under 175-watt lamps have a slightly lower birth-to-weaning mortality rate. Additionally, the 175-watt lamp can save hog producers about $34 each and improve their livestock productivity.

This project’s findings have been shared with pork producers at Extension Services town meetings, during in-service training for area livestock specialists around the state, on agriculture radio shows and at the Iowa Pork Congress.

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