Project Summary
This project aims to develop, optimize, and manufacture an Animal WelfAir system composed of three distinct sections housed in one compact unit, UV activated mop, cross-flow heat exchangers & customised LED light source array.
This project will provide a sustainable and innovative solution that will increase the productivity of the UK and global livestock sector thus reducing the adverse impact of the livestock sector on the environment. The proposed project will design, develop and exemplify an innovative integrated system [Flexible Fibre Mop (FFM)/UV photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO)/bag filter (BF)/LED lighting] that provides efficient and cost-effective indoor air quality (IAQ), and lighting control to improve poultry house air quality and animal welfare.
The system will integrate a number of technologies, including a novel UV activated, TiO2 coated flexible fibre mop, microporous bag filter, cross-flow heat exchanger and customised LED light array. It will provide good IAQ and optimised lighting throughout the year leading to better animal health, welfare and consequently enhanced productivity.
The proposed project aligns well with the Innovate UK scope of "Agri-Tech Catalyst" competition by enhancing "Primary crop and livestock production" through the design and development of a novel production system that allows the filtration, sterilisation and odour removal
Work Packages
15 Month Project
Overall project to be led by Univirsity of Nottingham with tasks spread amongst 6 work packages over 15 months.
-
1 - 15 Months WP1:
Overall project management
A two-level management system will be set up. The work package leaders will assume responsibility for the progress of the individual work packages. The project manager will be responsible for the prosecution of the proposed system. Deliverable D1.1 to D1.6 – Quarterly reports.
-
3 Months WP2:
Mathematical modelling and design of system components
Deliverable D2 – Modelling results. The mathematical model for each component of the proposed system will form the basis for a computer simulation program in Matlab, ANSYS CFX or EES.
-
4 Months WP3:
Development and construction of a prototype system
Deliverable D3 – Prototype development & testing. Based on the results from WP2, design, construction and laboratory testing of a small-scale prototype system will be carried out to evaluate the efficiency and reliability of the system.
-
5 Months WP4:
Carry out field trials
Deliverable D4 – Commercial field trials. Based on the simulations in WP2 and laboratory testing in WP3, field trials will be carried out in a commercial poultry house under natural climatic conditions. Production performance records, IAQ measuremnets and microbiological air monitoring with post mortem examination will be performed to assess production improvements.
-
1.5 Months WP5:
Economic and environmental analysis and risk/operability assessmen
Deliverable D5 – Economic, environmental and social assessment. Based on the outcomes of WP2, WP3 and WP4, detailed technical, economic and environmental assessments of the pilot project will be carried out, and health and safety issues investigated. Capital cost, running cost, payback period and market acceptance will be fully evaluated against existing and emerging international standards. A risk assessment of installation and operation.
-
3 Months WP6:
Dissemination and exploitation
Deliverable D6 – Dissemination & exploitation / D1.6 - Final Report - Dissemination of the project outcomes will be carried out through workshops/seminars/conferences, articles in professional/technical journals, an open day and exhibitions with a dedicated website established. The prototype system will be demonstrated publicly
