CLIMAFARM Operational Group: Prototype of a sustainable air conditioning system for dairy production

Pt. 0. Project Management and Coordination. Effective coordination among all project members, ensuring fluid communication and clear assignment of responsibilities. Meeting the established deadlines for each project phase, ensuring that activities are carried out according to the initial schedule. Continuous progress monitoring through periodic meetings and supervision of key milestones to ensure that activities are progressing according to plan. Efficient management of human and financial resources, avoiding cost overruns or deviations from the assigned budget. Monitoring compliance with project objectives, ensuring that the proposed results for each work phase are achieved.

Pt. 1. Detailed Study of the State of the Art. Improvement of thermal comfort in cattle: The implementation of the air conditioning system will help control environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) and ventilation in the barn, thus reducing heat stress in cows, thus providing a comfortable state for them. Increased milk production: By reducing heat stress in cows through a controlled environment, an increase in milk production is likely to be observed, since the cows will be in a more comfortable environment. Reduction in energy consumption: Energy consumption is expected to be reduced with the implementation of the air conditioning system compared to traditional systems. Reduction of pollutant emissions: The implementation of the air conditioning system in the barn will serve to reduce emissions of polluting gases such as ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2), thus achieving acceptable indoor air quality.

ACTION Pt.2. Plan and Develop Data Acquisition. Requirements Analysis. Study of environmental variables that influence dairy production: The variables that most influence animal comfort and therefore milk production have been detailed, and their control can be emphasized. Study for the ideal conditioning of livestock: With the use of monitoring collars, it has been possible to assess the well-being of the animals and the most suitable methodology to guarantee it. Analysis of thermal loads and pressure losses due to enclosures: It has been verified that the enclosures maintain a more controlled environment, but it is difficult to close them completely without compromising air quality.

ACTION Pt. 3. Integration of Information into a Database Efficient Data Access: By centralizing information, different teams can access data quickly and easily, facilitating joint analysis of environmental conditions and milk production. Real-Time Analysis: Implementing a real-time access system allows for proactive adjustment of HVAC conditions, optimizing livestock thermal comfort and improving their productivity. Continuous Monitoring: Integrating information into a relational database allows for continuous monitoring and storage of historical data, facilitating long-term evaluation of the HVAC system's impact.

ACTION Pt. 4. Prototype Design Thermal Comfort Optimization: The prototype has proven capable of maintaining stable and optimal environmental conditions for the thermal comfort of livestock. Air Quality Improvement: The incorporation of the air recovery module has significantly improved the air quality in the barn, efficiently removing contaminated air and ensuring a healthier environment. Energy Efficiency: Thanks to the implemented improvements, the prototype has demonstrated a reduction in energy consumption, which contributes to the long-term sustainability of the project. Adaptation to the Barn: The system has been successfully adapted to the structural and operational conditions of the livestock barn, ensuring its technical and economic viability.

ACTION Pt. 5. Manufacturing and validation of the prototype Optimal System Operation: The prototype has proven capable of maintaining ideal environmental conditions for the thermal comfort of cattle, ensuring a stable temperature, an adequate level of humidity and optimal air quality. Increased Energy Efficiency: Thanks to the improvements implemented in the air recovery module and in the automated control systems, the prototype has achieved high levels of energy efficiency, significantly reducing the installation's electrical consumption. Improved Milk Production: Maintaining a comfortable environment for dairy cows is expected to translate into an increase in milk production, as well as an overall improvement in the health and well-being of the cattle. Validation in a Real Environment: The system has been successfully validated under real operating conditions, demonstrating its technical and economic viability for future implementation in other livestock farms.

ACTION Pt. 6. Reports Provide an overview of project results and achievements. Partial drafting of final technical reports detailing the progress, results, and conclusions of each project action.

ACTION Pt. 7. Communication and Dissemination Website with 750 visits: The project website has been created. However, given the short time it has been available, the visits have not yet been counted. 2 Press releases: The initial press release for the project has begun, with the intention of publishing it in late August / early September. Publication in 4 specialized magazines: Publication in specialized magazines will be carried out at the same time as the press release. Social networks with 750 visits: The project's LinkedIn and Facebook profiles have been created. However, as with the website, the visits have not yet been counted given the short time they have been operational. 2 Videos: Recordings have been made, and the initial video presentation of the project has begun. 300 Brochures: A project brochure has been designed and is currently under review by the partners.