A hybrid geothermal and solar heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system specifically designed for the poultry industry could provide both economic and environmental benefits.
“There is technology available out there that can help the industry improve their environmental footprint and find a better use for resources, but also help save on operational costs,” said University of Melbourne professor Guillermo Narsilio.
“Geothermal or ground source heat pump technology has been proven and is used in other markets. We are just finding a new niche or a new market for it that I think will benefit tremendously.”
Energy costs could be reduced between 70 and 90%, with installation costs recovered within three to six years, he estimated.
The project, conducted in collaboration with geothermal companies Ground Source Systems and Fourth Element Energy, is funded by a $318,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Ground source and photovoltaic together
The hybrid energy system includes a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump system alongside a full-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system with gas back-up.
Geothermal energy is a type of energy taken from the earth core – in this case, a ground source heat pump connected to loops embedded into the ground. The electricity required to run the heat pump is fueled by a solar photovoltaic panel.
A full-scale version of the hybrid system will be installed at a commercial farm in Yanderra, NSW, Australia by the end of the year.
“Heat pumps represent a viable alternative to traditional heating systems in helping to reduce emissions from Australia’s meat and poultry industry,” explained ARENA CEO Darren Miller.
“Ground Source Systems is showing what’s possible with the demonstration scale project and we’re hoping that the valuable knowledge gained will encourage even the larger poultry companies to jump on board and look to heat pumps as a viable solution to their energy needs and net zero goals.”
