Modeling and development of an energy-saving infrared heater for calves

Abstract

Keeping calves in individual plastic hutches on outdoor sites offers a number of advantages, but it also involves certain risks. During frosts, cases of frostbite, disease, and animal mortality have been reported. Therefore, for regions with a long cold period of 4–6 months, ensuring heating in individual calf hutches is an important task. (Research purpose) The study aimed to develop a rational design and substantiate the parameters of an electric infrared heater. (Materials and methods) From a thermalenergy perspective, “dark” infrared emitters with a wavelength of 2-5 μm are preferable for heating calves, as they allow the heat flux to be regulated depending on the animal’s position inside the hutch. A calculated relationship was established between the heat flux transferred from the heater to the calf, the temperature of the hutch enclosing structures, and the standard ambient air temperature. (Results and discussion) A functional and technological diagram of a calf-heating system for individual hutches was proposed. The thermal-energy and design parameters of a linear electric infrared heater were substantiated based on a calculated heat-exchange model describing a calf within a system of isothermal, diffusely absorbing and emitting surfaces. The results of physical modelling of the calf heating process under different operating modes are presented, and an operating prototype of the heater was developed. (Conclusions) Physical modelling was used to substantiate the parameters and operating modes of an electric infrared heater for calves housed in individual outdoor hutches during the cold season. A functional diagram was proposed, and an experimental prototype of the heater was manufactured.