Optimisation of a hybrid geothermal-solar-gas system: A case study for a typical poultry shed in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Poultry sheds are used to raise poultries (chickens, turkeys and ducks), and have a unique heating and cooling demand pattern. A significant amount of energy is consumed for the heating and cooling of poultry sheds to maintain an indoor air temperature suitable for the growth and comfort of the poultries according to their age. This energy consumption results in a considerably high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy expenditure for the poultry shed operation. Previous studies have shown that a large amount of operational and lifecycle cost of heating can be reduced with the adoption of hybrid geothermal-solar-gas systems. In addition to the costs, GHG emissions should also be consider..