Comparative evaluation of the use of heat exchanger, ground source heat pump and conventional heating systems in grow-finish rooms

The use of the heat recovery ventilator with a forced-convection heater and the ground source heat pump system resulted in 52% to 39% reduction in energy consumption for heating and ventilation, respectively, relative to the conventional forced-convection heater after one heating season. However, data collection from multiple heating and cooling seasons is still needed to be able to fully compare the performance and feasibility of these three systems. Reduced energy costs will translate to reduced production cost and will help improve the profitability or minimize losses in swine operations.