Real-time airflow rate measurements from mechanically ventilated animal buildings

Abstract

This paper describes techniques used to determine airflow rate in multiple emission point applications typical of animal housing. An accurate measurement of building airflow rate is critical to accurate emission rate estimates. Animal housing facilities rely almost exclusively on ventilation to control inside climate at desired conditions. This strategy results in building airflow rates that range from about three fresh-air changes per hour in cold weather to more than 100 fresh-air changes per hour in hot weather. Airflow rate measurement techniques used in a comprehensive six-state study could be classified in three general categories: fan indication methods, fan rotational methods, and airspeed measurement methods. Each technique is discussed and implementation plans are noted. A detailed error analysis is included that estimated the uncertainty in airflow rate between ±5 and ±6.1% of reading at a building operating static pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure of 20 Pa, 25 °C, 50%, and 97,700 Pa, respectively. Copyright 2009 Air & Waste Management Association.