More efficient livestock building heating system in works

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and heater manufacturer L.B. White joined forces on a research project that could lead to the development of a more efficient livestock building heating system.

The research project will verify the cost savings that pork producers can achieve by using variable-rate technologies and electronic controls on propane-fueled heating systems in swine confinement buildings while also improving the comfort of the animals in their care.

PERC approached L.B. White to propose the research project earlier this year. L.B. White had already started developing the Smart Box, a variable-rate heat control that works with the Guardian with Smart Sense variable-rate, forced-air agricultural heater.

“The partnership with PERC is allowing L.B. White to accelerate the demonstration of improved fuel savings, presently documented as 15 to 35 percent,” L.B. White Director of Engineering John Tomlinson said.  “And more importantly, it allows us to document the improvement in animal productivity and health with dedicated trials that are starting shortly.”

Variable rate control provides a more consistent temperature at the desired warmth for animal health. Demo results are expected in fall 2012.