DESIGN OF A COMBINED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM FOR HEATING AND HUMIDITY CONTROL OF AIR IN POULTRY COMPLEXES IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

Solar energy can be used to improve energy efficiency and maintain suitable microclimate conditions in poultry complexes. This study presents the design of a combined solar-energy system for air heating and humidity control in poultry complexes in Uzbekistan. The proposed system is designed to maintain the required air temperature and humidity while reducing the use of conventional energy sources. The ASHRAE clear-sky model is used to estimate solar radiation and the available solar thermal energy for a typical poultry complex in the Tashkent region. The main system parameters, including solar collector area and thermal energy storage (TES) tank volume, are determined according to the thermal load of the poultry facility. The Scatter Search method is used to optimize the system by reducing the total cost and increasing the useful solar thermal energy under the climatic and operating conditions of the study area. The effects of air mass flow rate, solar radiation, ambient temperature, and operating temperature on collector efficiency are also analyzed. The results show that the proposed system can provide the required thermal energy for air heating and humidity control during both sunshine and non-sunshine periods. The use of thermal energy storage improves the continuity of heat supply when solar radiation is insufficient. The proposed system can reduce conventional energy consumption and improve the microclimate conditions of poultry complexes. The results provide a basis for selecting suitable solar thermal system parameters for poultry facilities under the climatic conditions of Uzbekistan.