18 www.pigchamp.com Spring 2025 For example, traditional fans with a 30,000 CFM (849 m³/min) output will instantaneously increase room ventilation by 30,000 CFM as each fan is turned on, which can produce a chilling effect on pigs. On the other hand, variable-rate fans can be automated to gradually increase cubic feet per minute in the room as needed so that pigs aren’t shocked by drastic climate changes. Depending on the operation, producers may not need to invest in all variable-speed fans to meet their ventilation needs. In many cases, a blend of traditional fans and PMSM fans is recommended. For instance, cheaper on/off fans can be used for minimum ventilation, while the more expensive PMSM fans can be installed for additional ventilation needs. Today’s controllers can effectively manage this type of setup to achieve the benefits of variable-speed fans but with a lower upfront cost. Another common configuration is to have every other pit fan be variable speed. These can be programmed to run at slower speeds during minimum ventilation to provide uniform airflow throughout the barn and help eliminate dead zones. The latest controllers are easier to program than older systems, allowing producers to fine-tune fan settings for maximum pig performance. While most ventilation systems are programmed to maintain specific temperature ranges, many producers have found benefits from monitoring other factors and adjusting fan settings to optimize them. Humidity plays a key role in the comfort level of pigs. Although the temperature within a barn may stay constant, having high humidity levels can negatively chill pigs at night when the sun goes down and the fans are running. Carbon dioxide level is another key factor in herd health and performance that often goes unmanaged. Sensors can be used to detect these and other variables. Then, controllers can be easily programmed to run fans as needed to optimize them. Some of the most successful producers improve barn climate by adjusting settings for these other factors and then closely monitoring pig behavior to measure success. Another benefit of pairing newer controllers with PMSM fans is the data collection capabilities. The controller can record motor temperature, vibration, energy consumption, and other information. By generating reports and analyzing the data, producers can take barn management to the next level. Adapting Ventilation for Open Pens The latest PMSM fan and controller technologies have many useful applications to capable of addressing today’s challenges. One of the benefits is an increased transition from traditional crate facilities to electronic sow feeding or other open pen configurations. Traditional ventilation systems work well in tunnel barns when pigs are concentrated consistently throughout the barn in crates. As the heat rises above the bottom three or four feet of the barn, the shape of the building will allow the fans to easily remove the heat. When pigs are allowed to roam freely, because of the randomness of their movement, they don’t distribute themselves evenly, which creates cool and hot zones within the barn. Although managing the cool and hot zones within a tunnel barn is simple, it can be improved with variable-speed fans. Gradual increases in airflow greatly reduce pig chilling effects, helping to reduce abortions, mortality rates, and other issues caused by sows piling up to stay warm in open environments. Reducing Labor Through Ventilation Tech These technologies also help reduce labor requirements. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor fans use direct drives, which eliminate the undesirable job of maintaining belts, pulleys, and tensioners. Additionally, today’s advanced controllers can automate practically all barn functions to remove many other manual processes. The future holds even more promise for reducing maintenance and labor needs through these technologies when the fan and motor data gathered by the controller is used for predictive maintenance. If, for instance, the temperature of a component is rising suspiciously or it is experiencing excessive vibration, then producers can shut down the component and perform preventative maintenance before failure occurs. This capability has been largely untapped but has the potential to be one of the next big steps forward in addressing labor and service challenges on the farm. Ventilation Use to Enhance Biosecurity Measures Next, the threat of diseases such as PED (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea) and PRRS (Porcine ReproducA cross-section of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) fan motor.
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