Optimized Controls for Cooling California Dairy Cows
Regents of the University of California, Davis
Recipient
Davis, CA
Recipient Location
3rd
Senate District
4th
Assembly District
$529,198
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
A heat and mass transfer model of evaporation from the fur of a cow was coupled to a metabolic model of the animal to estimate the frequency of water spray and fan speed given input on environmental conditions. The model has been used to develop a controller that can vary the fan speed and spray frequency to maintain the animal core temperature at a target value. The controller was implemented on a platform provided by a commercial partner, and its performance has compared against baseline control strategies typically used in dairies in the Central Valley. The controller has been tested and refined at four dairies over the course of three summers.
The Issue
Heat stress in dairy cows is a key issue affecting many aspects of sustainability and welfare in the U.S. dairy industry, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in milk production losses annually. A common and effective method of reducing heat stress in dairy cows combines spraying water on cows while using fans to increase air circulation. Optimal use of electricity and water for these spray cooling systems is critically important to improve the sustainability and financial viability of the dairy industry. Electricity used for fans and well-pumping is costly for dairy operations and results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Project Innovation
Heat stress in dairy cows is a key issue affecting many aspects of sustainability and welfare in the U.S. dairy industry, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in milk production losses annually. A common and effective method of reducing heat stress in dairy cows combines spraying water on cows while using fans to increase air circulation. Optimal use of electricity and water for these spray cooling systems is critically important to improve the sustainability and financial viability of the dairy industry. Electricity used for fans and well-pumping is costly for dairy operations and results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
The project will reduce annual electricity consumption therefore improve electricity reliability. This reduction in electricity consumed by dairies will decrease stress on the electricity grid by reducing the total lad and lower electricity costs for dairy farmers. The project is consistent with the California Energy Commission's mission of leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future.
Affordability
The project will reduce annual electricity and water consumption and costs for dairy farmers. This project is expected to save 26 kWh per cow per year.
Environmental Sustainability
The project will reduce annual water consumption therefore improving availability of water.
Key Project Members
Cassandra Tucker
Vinod Narayanan
Jonathan Hollist
Subrecipients
Match Partners
Western Cooling Efficiency Center - UC Davis
